Adulate

To adulate means to praise or flatter excessively; to show servile admiration for someone. It often involves insincere or exaggerated expressions of praise, sometimes motivated by self-interest, such as seeking favor or advancement. Adulation can be seen as a form of idolization, where the person being adulated is placed on a pedestal and their flaws are overlooked or excused. The act typically includes effusive language and can be manifested through gifts, public pronouncements, and other forms of homage. It is the act of giving someone special attention in an almost sickening way.

Adulate meaning with examples

• The politician's campaign heavily relied on adulation from his supporters. Their rallies were filled with chants and songs praising his every move, creating an echo chamber of unwavering support. This adulation, while boosting his ego, ultimately insulated him from critical feedback and led to some unfortunate decisions, damaging his reputation.
• The celebrity thrived on the constant adulation of their fans. Paparazzi followed their every move, and social media was filled with messages of adoration. They basked in the spotlight, becoming increasingly dependent on the public's approval and often found it difficult to cope with any form of criticism or disapproval.
• During the monarchy era, the royal family often received adulation from the commoners. Any dissent or challenge to the royal figureheads would be suppressed, and the subjects were encouraged to express excessive praise through various public displays. This ensured their continued dominance.
• The professor, after publishing a groundbreaking research paper, was greeted with adulation by his colleagues. They showered him with praise at the conference, and his paper became the focus of every discussion and study. He found the constant praise overwhelming, even if it did boost his professional standing.
• In the office environment, the sycophantic employee frequently resorted to adulation of the boss. He would lavish compliments, agree with every opinion, and constantly seek opportunities to demonstrate his fealty, all in an attempt to secure a promotion and get ahead of his other team members.