mythologize

especially British, my·thol·o·gise

[mi-thol-uh-jahyz]

verb (used without object)

mythologized, mythologizing 

1. to classify, explain, or write about myths.

2. to construct or narrate myths.

verb (used with object)

mythologized, mythologizing 

1. to make into or explain as a myth; make mythical.

mythologize

/ mɪˈθɒləˌdʒaɪz /

verb

1. to tell, study, or explain (myths)

2. (intr) to create or make up myths

3. (tr) to convert into a myth

Other Word Forms

• mythologization noun
• mythologizer noun
• mythologer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mythologize¹

1595–1605; mytholog(y) + -ize; compare French mythologiser

Example Sentences

Although they had already sought to mythologize in the past the supposedly noble sacrifice of Nazi activists killed in street fighting, Wessel was the first to be elevated to supreme martyr status.

From Salon

If that message is tough for some people to absorb, consider the pie mythologizing that’s been baked into our national story.

From Salon

And, like the house it hopes to capture and mythologize in equal measure, the pop-up book is a celebration of Willis’ own “more is more” sensibility.

From Los Angeles Times

The Walt Disney Co. has made a significant effort over the years to mythologize Disney.

From Los Angeles Times

Aeschylus’ “Oresteia” concludes with “Eumenides,” depicting the establishment of the Areopagus court to replace cycles of vengeance, thus mythologizing the roots of jury trials.

From Salon