mythologize

verb

my·​thol·​o·​gize mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz 

mythologized; mythologizing

transitive verb

1

obsolete : to explain the mythological significance of

2

: to build a myth around : mythicize

intransitive verb

1

: to relate, classify, and explain myths

2

: to create or perpetuate myths

mythologizer noun

Examples of mythologize in a Sentence

a politician who has been mythologized by his supporters

Recent Examples on the Web

Harris and Klebold, early to catch on to the self-mythologizing possibilities of new technology, obsessively documented themselves and their fascination with violence, both online and off. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

But even allowing for Broadway expectations, the self-mythologizing in this newest piece feels like a lot, given how many others lost so much more. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

These tragic flashpoints were mythologized into persecution stories, recast by right-wing Christian leaders not as tragic consequences of radical defiance but as proof of an evil secular government at war with faith and freedom. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026

In 2016, Frank Ocean was already famous enough to be mythologized. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French mythologiser, from mythologie mythology + -iser -ize

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for mythologize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize