deify

[dee-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

deified, deifying 

1. to make a god of; exalt to the rank of a deity; personify as a deity.

   to deify a beloved king.

2. to adore or regard as a deity.

   to deify wealth.

deify

/ ˈdiːɪˌfaɪ, ˈdeɪɪ- /

verb

1. to exalt to the position of a god or personify as a god

2. to accord divine honour or worship to

3. to exalt in an extreme way; idealize

Other Word Forms

• deifier noun
• half-deified adjective
• hyperdeify verb (used with object)
• self-deifying adjective
• undeified adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deify¹

1300–50; Middle English deifien < Old French deifier < Late Latin deificāre. See deification, -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of deify¹

C14: from Old French deifier, from Late Latin deificāre, from Latin deus god + facere to make

Example Sentences

In a 1942 essay, Hall wrote: “All followers who offer to adorn and deify their teachers set up a false condition. Human beings, experience has proved, make better humans than they do gods.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The themes of performances at Mr Gopalakrishnan's house include honouring a deified ancestor, venerating a warrior-hunter deity, and worshipping tiger spirits symbolising strength and protection.

Read more on BBC

Trump is now deifying the Jan. 6 terrorists as "political prisoners" and heroes.

Read more on Salon

There was even a time when even George W. Bush was practically deified.

Read more on Salon

But rather than commune with Marika, his deified mother, Miquella wants to escape the strictures and expectations of her Golden Order.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• idealize