idolization

excessive admiration of or devotion to a person the mass idolization of sports figures often results in the public's refusal to believe that they could ever do wrong Synonyms adulation, deification, hero worship, idolatry, worship, worshipping (also worshiping)Related Words adoration, deference, glorification, reverence, veneration; idealization, romanticization; affection, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love; appreciation, esteem, regard, respect; approvalNear Antonyms condemnation, disapproval, disfavor, dislike, dismissal, disregard, hatred, loathing, scorn