idolize
UK: ˈaɪ.dəl.aɪz | US: ˈaɪ.dəl.aɪz
vt. to admire or love someone or something excessively, often to the point of worship
vt. to treat someone or something as an idol
The word "idolize" originates from the Greek "eidōlon" (image, idol), which entered Late Latin as "idolum" and Old French as "idole." The suffix "-ize," derived from Greek "-izein," was added to form the verb, meaning "to make into an idol" or "to worship as an idol." The term reflects the human tendency to elevate figures or objects to divine or near-divine status, a concept rooted in ancient religious practices.
Many teenagers idolize their favorite pop stars.
He tends to idolize historical figures, ignoring their flaws.
Society often idolizes wealth and fame over kindness.
She didn’t want to idolize her mentor but simply learn from him.
Some cultures idolize nature, seeing it as sacred.