idealize

American  

[ahy-dee-uh-lahyz] / aɪˈdi əˌlaɪz /

especially British, idealise

verb (used with object)

idealized, idealizing

1. to make ideal; represent in an ideal form or character; exalt to an ideal perfection or excellence.

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verb (used without object)

idealized, idealizing

1. to represent something in an ideal form.

idealize British  

/ aɪˈdɪəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to consider or represent (something) as ideal

2. (tr) to portray as ideal; glorify

3. (intr) to form an ideal or ideals

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Other Word Forms

• idealizer noun
• overidealize verb
• unidealized adjective

Etymology

Origin of idealize

First recorded in 1780–90; ideal + -ize

Example Sentences

His precious moments are not memories of an idealized past, nor projections of a tantalizing dream, but interventions in our complex present that reveal beautiful and unsettling layers.

From Los Angeles Times

The night is one of wish fulfillment for music fans, offering the promise of behind-the-stage action as well as an idealized vision of funk’s communal power.

From Los Angeles Times

Follow-up efforts will be needed in Iran but shouldn’t be based on an idealized world view.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The shift that matters most is moving away from idealized retirement planning and toward realistic, behavioral planning.”

From MarketWatch

The naked torso of Christ is that of an antique god, an elegantly idealized, robust body.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• glorify