lionize

[lahy-uh-nahyz]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR lionize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), li·on·ized, li·on·iz·ing.

to treat (a person) as a celebrity: to lionize the visiting poet.

British. to visit or exhibit the objects of interest of (a place).

verb (used without object), li·on·ized, li·on·iz·ing.

to pursue celebrities or seek their company.

British. to visit the objects of interest of a place.

Also especially British, li·on·ise.

Origin of lionize

First recorded in 1800–10; lion + -ize

Related formsli·on·i·za·tion, nounli·on·iz·er, nounun·li·on·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for lionization

acclaim, acceptance, reputation, demand, following, fame, dignity, confidence, trust, glory, faith, attention, credit, esteem, praise, distinction, tribute, prestige, recognition, celebration

Examples from the Web for lionization

Historical Examples of lionization

Then came the news of Speke's return and lionization in London.
The Life of Sir Richard Burton
Thomas Wright
The renowned Tupper is undergoing the process of lionization.
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.
Various
A Bayard in society—a Raphael at the easel, he bore a distinguished part in the lionization of the day.
Alone
Marion Harland
Paris made a great fuss over him, but he took his lionization very calmly.
The Sunny Side of Diplomatic Life, 1875-1912
Lillie DeHegermann-Lindencrone

British Dictionary definitions for lionization

lionize

lionise

verb

(tr) to treat as or make into a celebrity

Derived Formslionization or lionisation, nounlionizer or lioniser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for lionization

lionize

"to treat (someone) as a celebrity," a hybrid from lion + -ize. Used by Scott, 1809, and preserving lion in the sense of "person of note who is much sought-after" (1715), originally in reference to the lions formerly kept in the Tower of London (referred to from late 16c.), objects of general curiosity that every visitor in town was taken to see. Related: Lionized; lionizing.