Type in ➚
Dictionary Entry: Idolize

Idolize

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.dəˌlaɪz/

Definitions

  • 1. To regard with excessive admiration, reverence, or devotion.
  • 2. To worship or hold someone or something in the highest regard, often to an extreme degree.

Usage Examples

  • "She idolized the actress and tried to emulate her style in every way."
  • "The fans idolized their team, celebrating each victory as a personal achievement."
  • "He tended to idolize historical figures without recognizing their flaws."

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word "eidolon" meaning "image" or "idol" combined with the suffix "-ize," which denotes making or becoming. The term emerged in the 17th century and initially referred to the act of idolizing or worshipping idols, and later evolved to describe excessive admiration or reverence for individuals or things.

Synonyms

  • Adore
  • Worship
  • Revere
  • Venerate
  • Exalt
  • Admire

Antonyms

  • Despise
  • Dislike
  • Abhor
  • Detest
  • Ignore

Translations

LanguageTranslationPronunciation
SpanishIdolatrar/idoˈlatɾaɾ/
FrenchIdolâtrer/idɔlatʁe/
GermanVerherrlichen/fɛɐ̯ˈhɛʁlɪçn̩/
RussianИдолизировать/idolizirovatʲ/
Hindiमूर्ति पूजा करना/mūrti pūjā karnā/
Tamilபூஜை செய்தல்/pūjai seythal/
Teluguమూర్తి పూజ చేయడం/mūrtī pūja cēyaḍaṁ/
Bengaliমূর্তিপূজা করা/murtipuja kôra/
Gujaratiમૂર્તિ પૂજા કરવી/mūrti pūjā karvī/
Marathiमूर्तिपूजा करणे/mūrtī pūjā karaṇe/
Kannadaಮೂರ್ತಿಪೂಜಾ ಮಾಡುವುದು/mūrti pūjā māḍuvudu/
Malayalamപ്രതിമാപൂജ നടത്തുക/prathimāpūja naṭattuka/
Punjabiਮੂਰਤੀ ਪੂਜਾ ਕਰਨਾ/mūrti pūjā karna/
Chinese崇拜/chóngbài/
Japanese崇拝する/sūhai suru/
Korean숭배하다/sungbaehada/
Arabicعبادة الأوثان/ʕibadat al-awthan/
PortugueseIdolatrar/idoˈlatɾaʁ/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • India (South): /ˈaɪ.dəˌlaɪz/
  • US: /ˈaɪ.dəˌlaɪz/
  • UK: /ˈaɪ.dəˌlaɪz/

Historical Usage

The term "idolize" emerged in the 17th century and was originally used in the context of religious idol worship. It referred to the act of venerating or worshipping physical idols or representations of gods. Over time, the meaning of the term expanded to include excessive admiration or devotion to a person, particularly public figures or celebrities. Today, it is used broadly to describe the idealization of individuals or things, often in a non-religious context.

Cultural Nuances

In modern society, "idolize" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the admiration or devotion is excessive or uncritical. In celebrity culture, idolizing public figures can lead to unrealistic expectations and disillusionment. The act of idolizing is sometimes criticized as a form of social conformity, as it may lead individuals to overlook the flaws or complexities of the idolized person or object. In contrast, idolization in religious contexts is often seen as an expression of deep respect and reverence.

More Information

To idolize someone or something is to place them on a pedestal, treating them as superior to others in some way. This can be a healthy form of admiration when the person or thing is worthy of respect and recognition. However, when taken to extremes, idolization can become problematic, as it often blinds individuals to the imperfections of the subject of their devotion. It can lead to harmful comparisons, unhealthy expectations, and unrealistic perceptions. The term has evolved in its usage, but it continues to carry connotations of excessive admiration that may not always be warranted.

  1. Home
  2.  › 
  3. language
  4.  › 
  5. sindhi-dictionary-translation-meaning-of-idolize