1. the act or practice of admiring or loving someone or something excessively or uncritically
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is 'idolization'; often implies excessive or unrealistic devotion
2. the religious practice of worshipping idols or images
Usage: formal or religious context

Examples

• The idolisation of celebrity culture has become increasingly common among teenagers.
• Fans' idolisation of the rock star bordered on obsession.
• The ancient practice of idolisation involved creating and venerating carved images.
• Critics warned against the idolisation of political leaders.
• Her idolisation of her older sister influenced many of her life choices.
• The idolisation of wealth in modern society concerns many social commentators.