idealize

especially British, i·de·al·ise

[ahy-dee-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

idealized, idealizing 

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

verb (used without object)

idealized, idealizing 

1. to represent something in an ideal form.

idealize

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• idealizer noun
• overidealize verb
• unidealized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of idealize¹

First recorded in 1780–90; ideal + -ize

Example Sentences

In a sense, Sweeney writes Dennis as someone also mourning the death of an idealized situation he thought would fix him.

From Los Angeles Times

Girls from the ages of 11 to 15 idealize pinups like him who have been packaged as handsome, innocuous and flat.

From Los Angeles Times

At all times idealized in his physical features, he’s the living embodiment of the irresistible force paradox — an immovable power and an unstoppable object all at once.

From Los Angeles Times

Returning to the idealized ’90s summer of my childhood is less about what kids are doing and more about what parents aren’t doing.

From Los Angeles Times

To step onto its Main Street, U.S.A., was to wander into a place that conjured a vision of America that never was, an idealized fantastical world with a castle at its end.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glorify