1. to treat someone as a celebrity or hero; to give great attention and admiration to someone

Examples

• The media began to lionize the young scientist after her breakthrough discovery.
• He was lionized by fans wherever he went after winning the championship.
• The author was lionized at literary events across the country.
• Critics warned against lionizing politicians without examining their policies.
• The war hero was lionized in his hometown upon his return.
• She didn’t enjoy being lionized and preferred to work quietly behind the scenes.