Lionized

To lionize means to treat someone as a celebrity or important person; to give them special attention and admiration. It involves showering someone with praise, granting them privileged treatment, and exaggerating their importance or achievements, often resulting in excessive flattery. The act of being Lionized often occurs in public settings, such as in the media, at social gatherings, or within a specific community. It suggests a focus on superficiality and the construction of an idealized image rather than a deep understanding of the individual.

Lionized meaning with examples

• The young actress was Lionized at the film festival. Reporters clamored for interviews, photographers constantly took her picture, and she was invited to all the exclusive parties. The constant attention, while exciting at first, became overwhelming. She struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy as she was forced into a public role.
• After winning the gold medal, the athlete was Lionized by the press and the public. Every detail of their life was scrutinized, and they became a symbol of national pride. Brands sought them out for endorsements, and they were invited to high-profile events. The constant pressure led the athlete to feel burnt out.
• The professor was Lionized by the university after publishing a groundbreaking research paper. They were given a promotion, offered a lighter teaching load, and received numerous accolades and awards. The other faculty began to treat the professor differently, often showing more respect and deferring to their opinion, regardless of the subject matter.
• During the author's book tour, they were Lionized at every stop. Book signings lasted for hours as fans lined up to meet them. The media portrayed the author as a literary genius, and they were invited on every popular talk show. This whirlwind of attention left the author exhausted, yet also provided them with much needed exposure.