lionize

Definition

To treat (a person) as if they were important, or a celebrity.

Etymology

From lion + -ize.

Example Sentences

• "Flare-riding is one of the most exotic and exhilarating sports in existence, and those who can dare and afford to do it are amongst the most lionized men in the Galaxy."
• "He [Li Wenliang] died of COVID-19 in February, lionized by the Chinese public as a hero and whistleblower."
• "In early March, a person who had a history of posting Nazi imagery shared a 21-second video lionizing Juraj Krajčík. The clip shows one of his victims lying dead on the pavement."