romanticize

American  

[roh-man-tuh-sahyz] / roʊˈmæn təˌsaɪz /

especially British, romanticise

verb (used with object)

romanticized, romanticizing

1. to make romantic; invest with a romantic character.

   Many people romanticize the role of an editor.

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verb (used without object)

romanticized, romanticizing

1. to hold romantic notions, ideas, etc.

romanticize British  

/ rəʊˈmæntɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (intr) to think or act in a romantic way

2. (tr) to interpret according to romantic precepts

3. to make or become romantic, as in style

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Other Word Forms

• overromanticize verb
• romanticization noun
• unromanticized adjective

Etymology

Origin of romanticize

First recorded in 1810–20; romantic + -ize

Example Sentences

Despite the verve and love each “Rings of Dissent” contributors have in their essays, they don’t romanticize it.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ford Mustang was built in Detroit, introduced to the world in New York and, according to a new exhibit on the border of downtown and Boyle Heights, romanticized by Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the most famous, and certainly the most romanticized, version of a filibuster took place in the film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”

From Los Angeles Times

In an interview, he said: “It’s easy to romanticize the golden days.”

From The Wall Street Journal

As Ms. Low says, many women need to “stop romanticizing work” and “remember that your employer will never love you back.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• glamorize
• idealize
• sentimentalize