romanticize

[ roh-man-tuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ro·man·ti·cized, ro·man·ti·ciz·ing.

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

   Many people romanticize the role of an editor.

verb (used without object)

, ro·man·ti·cized, ro·man·ti·ciz·ing.

1. to hold romantic notions, ideas, etc.

romanticize

/ 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

Derived Forms

• roˌmanticiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• ro·manti·ci·zation noun
• over·ro·manti·cize verb overromanticized overromanticizing
• unro·manti·cized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of romanticize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; romantic + -ize

Example Sentences

They haven’t yet had time to forget the problems of startups or to romanticize them.

From MIT Technology Review

While mountain biking has given me life-changing insight, I don’t want to romanticize its ability to treat mental health.

From Outside Online

I have learned in times of challenge, it’s a very common thing for Americans to romanticize the Manchester music scene or become Cure obsessives.

From Washington Post

In the face of grueling stress, it’s easy to romanticize the body’s commitment to balance.

From Popular-Science

There’s cottagecore, which romanticizes nature and quaint forms, and classic scenesters such as the goth and punk kids.

From Ozy

But I am afraid people will romanticize what Robin went through.

From The Daily Beast

“I was trying to romanticize IDF and Israel,” Beyo told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

I write this with some trepidation, not wanting to further romanticize pregnancy and babies.

From The Daily Beast

Ah, well, if we must romanticize something, it had best be the past.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glamorize
• idealize
• sentimentalize