idolize

American  

[ahyd-l-ahyz] / ˈaɪd lˌaɪz /

especially British, idolise

verb (used with object)

idolized, idolizing

1. to regard with blind adoration, devotion, etc.

   Synonyms:

   worship, treasure, adore

2. to worship as a god.

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verb (used without object)

idolized, idolizing

1. to practice idolatry.

   to idolize as did ancient Greece and Rome.

idolize British  

/ ˈaɪdəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to admire or revere greatly

2. (tr) to worship as an idol

3. (intr) to worship idols

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Usage

What does idolize mean? To idolize someone is to treat them with extreme admiration and devotion. This sense of the word is based on the figurative use of the word idol to refer to a person, especially a famous celebrity such as a pop singer, whose fans are extremely devoted to them. The noun form idolization refers to this kind of hero worship. A synonym of this sense of idolize is the slang verb stan. The words idol and idolize sometimes imply that such devotion is excessive, likening it to religious worship. This is based on the original sense of the word idol referring to an object or image, such as a statue, that is worshiped as the representation of a deity or god. The word idol can also refer to the deity or god that is being worshiped. The worship of such an idol is sometimes called idolatry (or idol worship) and the people who do it can be called idolaters. The word idolize can also mean to practice idolatry, though it is much more commonly used in a figurative way. A synonym of this sense of idolize is idolatrize, but it is not commonly used. In a religious context, words like idol and idolize are typically used in a negative, judgmental way, implying that the god that the idol represents is not actually real and that such worship is wrong or sinful. Sometimes, idol is used in a metaphorical way to compare something to an object of religious devotion and worship, and idolize can also be used in this context, as in She idolizes money. This sense of the word is also used in a critical way. A close synonym of all senses of the word idolize is worship. Example: The trouble with idolizing people is that you start to model your behavior on them while ignoring their faults.

Other Word Forms

• idolism noun
• idolist noun
• idolization noun
• idolizer noun
• self-idolized adjective
• self-idolizing adjective
• unidolized adjective

Etymology

Origin of idolize

First recorded in 1590–1600; idol + -ize

Explanation

To idolize is to admire someone too much. A twelve year-old might idolize a pop star, for example, wallpapering her bedroom with photos of him and screaming loudly throughout his concerts. You can idolize someone you've never met, like a famous actor, and you can also idolize a friend or family member. A boy who idolizes his father adores him unquestioningly, believing that everything he does is admirable. Another way to say idolize is worship, and both words have a religious origin. In the case of idolize, the root word is idol, or "image of a god used in worship," from the Late Latin word idolum, "image or form."

Example Sentences

His path to this moment began with a Japanese TV show he watched as a child, featuring a charismatic violinist-pianist he quickly came to idolize.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

“For Kim, it’s still probably politically burdensome to idolize himself as he’s still young and hasn’t accumulated much achievements,” said Hong Min, an analyst at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024

It’s not unusual for Americans to idolize presidents—Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama are still actively revered by many—but no other president has inspired the same level of merchandise lines or themed car flags.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2023

Not being able to live the idealized versions of herself—which include visions of being surrounded by friends and fans who love and idolize her for her beauty and talent—leaves Tessa profoundly distressed.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 2023

The more I’d learned about Halliday’s life, the more I’d grown to idolize him.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

• admire
• adore
• revere
• venerate