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Dictionary definition of lionize

To treat someone with great interest and importance as if they are a hero or celebrity.
"The nation would lionize war heroes who had fought for their country's freedom."

Detailed meaning of lionize

This often involves making them the center of attention and elevating them to a position of importance or status. Someone who is lionized is often seen as being admired and respected by others, and they may receive a lot of praise and accolades for their accomplishments or talents. Lionizing someone can involve showing them special treatment or deference, or it can involve simply paying a lot of attention to them and making them the focus of attention.

Example sentences of lionize

1. The media tends to lionize celebrities and ignore their flaws.
2. Fans would often lionize their favorite sports players as heroes.
3. The public would lionize great leaders and celebrate their accomplishments.
4. He was lionized as a genius in the art world, despite his controversial work.
5. The city would lionize its famous historical figures with statues and monuments.
6. The political party would lionize their leader as the only hope for the future.

History and etymology of lionize

The verb 'lionize' has its origins in the imagery of the lion as a symbol of strength, nobility, and majesty. It is derived from the noun 'lion' and carries the suffix '-ize,' which is often used in English to create verbs signifying 'to make' or 'to treat as.' The term 'lionize' emerged in the early 19th century and is linked to the practice of treating someone with great interest and importance, as if they are a hero or celebrity. In essence, when we 'lionize' an individual, we are metaphorically placing them on a pedestal and bestowing upon them the same kind of admiration and attention that the king of the jungle, the lion, receives in the animal kingdom. This word captures the idea of elevating someone to a revered and celebrated status in society.

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Further usage examples of lionize

1. The literary community would lionize famous writers who had made a significant impact.
2. Many people would lionize the rich and successful, believing them to be the ultimate goal.
3. The company would lionize their top performers and offer them rewards and recognition.
4. The artist's fans would lionize his work and eagerly await his new creations.
5. The media would lionize charismatic politicians and give them extensive coverage.
6. The musician was lionized for his virtuosity and musical genius.
7. The media has a tendency to lionize famous actors, often portraying them as larger-than-life figures.
8. During the Olympics, fans from around the world lionize athletes, turning them into global icons.
9. Music enthusiasts frequently lionize their favorite musicians, celebrating their talent and impact.
10. It's not uncommon for people to lionize historical figures, highlighting their contributions to society.
11. In the business world, society often tends to lionize successful entrepreneurs, portraying them as visionaries.
12. Society has a tendency to lionize beauty and youth, sometimes overlooking other valuable qualities.
13. Politicians frequently lionize military veterans, emphasizing their sacrifices for the nation.
14. The entertainment industry has a habit of lionizing cultural icons, immortalizing their legacy.
15. People often lionize social justice activists who work tirelessly to bring about positive change.
16. The media can have a habit of lionizing public figures, putting them in the spotlight.
17. Some communities passionately lionize local heroes, recognizing their contributions.
18. Within the film industry, there's a tendency to lionize directors who create groundbreaking movies.
19. The art world may lionize renowned painters, showcasing their masterpieces in prestigious galleries.
20. The fashion industry often lionizes top models, making them the faces of major brands.
21. Society tends to lionize sports champions, celebrating their athletic prowess.
22. People often lionize influential writers, celebrating their literary contributions.
23. The tech world can lionize innovators, viewing them as disruptors who reshape industries.
24. The music industry frequently lionizes legendary artists, acknowledging their lasting impact.
25. We have a tendency to lionize pioneers in various fields, recognizing their trailblazing efforts.
26. Political parties often lionize their leaders, portraying them as the embodiment of their ideals.