Definition

The act of greatly admiring or worshiping someone or something, often to an extreme degree.

Example

Her idolization of the pop star was evident in the way she decorated her room with posters.

Conversation

Have you noticed the idolization of celebrities these days?

Yeah, it’s crazy how much people worship them.

Sometimes I wonder if it's healthy to have such idolization in our culture.

I think it can be, as long as it doesn't go too far.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Idolization is formed from "idol" (from Greek "eidolon", meaning image or statue) and "-ization" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a process or action). The word refers to the process of treating someone or something as an idol or object of great admiration.

Memory Tip

Think of an 'image' ('idol') that you admire greatly, and the '-ization' means the process of making that admiration official. This helps you remember that idolization is the act of treating someone as an idol.

Visually Confused Words