Idolize

To idolize is to admire, revere, and love someone or something to an excessive or exaggerated degree. It involves placing the object of one's admiration on a pedestal, attributing to them almost godlike qualities and idealizing their traits, actions, and beliefs. Idolization often stems from a strong emotional connection, whether based on personal acquaintance, celebrity, or abstract ideals. It frequently involves neglecting or downplaying any perceived flaws or imperfections. It differs from simple admiration, as it implies a more consuming and often unquestioning devotion, potentially bordering on obsession. It creates a feeling of perfection and sets impossible standards which can lead to unrealistic expectations and possible disappointment when the idealized figure or concept inevitably fails to live up to the fantasy. It also diminishes one's sense of self and creates an unbalanced dependence on the idol.

Idolize meaning with examples

• As a young child, Sarah would spend hours reading about famous actresses, studying their fashion and interviews, and eventually idolizing them to the extent that she dreamed of becoming an actress herself. She crafted her life choices around the idealized image. She saw them as perfect, beautiful, and completely flawless. The idealized perfection she observed was a false image, and as she grew, she matured and lowered her expectation.
• Many teenagers are known to idolize musicians and athletes, filling their rooms with posters, buying all their merchandise, and mimicking their styles. They see these figures as symbols of success and coolness, often overlooking any less than ideal attributes. These athletes and musicians are idealized, and young fans are obsessed with following their every move. When they are not performing as expected, disappointment is usually close behind.
• The ancient Greeks idolized their gods and goddesses, creating elaborate temples and rituals to honor them. They saw the deities as powerful and immortal, and their stories provided frameworks for morality, creativity, and societal structure. Sculptures and murals portrayed them as the apex of human beauty and the ultimate expression of power. These gods and goddesses were idealized to meet the needs of their people.
• Some political campaigns deliberately foster a culture where the candidate is idolized by their supporters. The rhetoric and branding become focused on building an emotional connection. Criticisms are readily dismissed as attacks, and the candidate's imperfections are obscured. This can lead to polarized opinions and a limited scope of ideas.
• During the 1960s, many young people in the US idolized the counter-culture figures of the time, such as the Beatles and other prominent figures. Their music, style, and philosophies were seen as embodying the ideal of freedom, self-expression, and rebellion against established norms, which captured the young people's imagination. They viewed them as symbols of change and social revolution. Their music gave hope to a generation, and each member was idealized.