adulate
UK: ˈædʒʊleɪt | US: ˈædʒəleɪt
vt. to praise or flatter excessively or obsequiously
The word adulate traces back to the Latin adulari, which originally depicted the servile flattery of a dog seeking favor. Over time, it evolved into adulationem (noun form) in Late Latin, later entering English in the 17th century as a verb. The core idea of exaggerated praise—akin to a pet’s fawning—persists in its modern usage.
The fans adulate the celebrity, cheering wildly at every public appearance.
Politicians often adulate wealthy donors to secure campaign funding.
She refused to adulate her boss, preferring honest feedback over empty praise.
Historical dictators were adulated by state-controlled media.
The teacher warned students not to adulate authority figures uncritically.