lionize

especially British, li·on·ise

[lahy-uh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

lionized, lionizing 

1. to treat (a person) as a celebrity.

   to lionize the visiting poet.

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

verb (used without object)

lionized, lionizing 

1. to pursue celebrities or seek their company.

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

lionize

/ ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to treat as or make into a celebrity

Other Word Forms

• lionization noun
• lionizer noun
• lionized adjective
• unlionized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lionize¹

First recorded in 1800–10; lion + -ize ( def. )

Example Sentences

As conservatives lionize Kirk as a warrior for free expression, they’re also weaponizing the tactics they saw being used to malign their movement — calls for firings, ostracism, pressure to watch what you say.

From Los Angeles Times

I know he wouldn’t have been lionized the way he is today.

From Los Angeles Times

If food is medicine, it follows that “real” food — the kind Kennedy lionizes — should be reserved for those who can afford it.

From Salon

A closer listen shows she isn’t lionizing 18th Street or Florencia 13.

From Los Angeles Times

“Miller was punished for refusing to allow Spitzer to lionize the predator, gas-light, and further savage the reputation of the victims,” her lawsuit says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eulogize 
• glorify 
• idolize