glorify
UK: ˈɡlɔːrɪfaɪ | US: ˈɡlɔːrɪfaɪ
vt. to praise or honor someone or something highly
vt. to make something seem more impressive or important than it is
vt. (theology) to give glory to God
The word "glorify" traces back to Latin glorificare (to glorify), combining gloria (glory) and -ficare (a suffix meaning "to make"). It entered Middle English via Old French glorifier, retaining its core sense of "to bestow glory." The morphemes logically align: "glor" preserves the concept of honor, while "-ify" transforms it into an action. Over time, its usage expanded beyond religious contexts to include exaggerated praise in secular settings.
The poet sought to glorify the hero's deeds in his epic verses.
Some advertisements glorify unhealthy lifestyles to sell products.
The choir sang hymns to glorify God during the service.
Historians warn against narratives that glorify war.
Social media often glorifies unrealistic beauty standards.