1. to treat someone as a celebrity or hero; to give great attention and admiration to someone
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘lionize’

Examples

• The media lionizes the young entrepreneur for her innovative ideas.
• He lionizes his grandfather, who served in World War II.
• The community lionizes teachers who go above and beyond for their students.
• She lionizes famous authors and keeps their portraits on her wall.
• The sports world lionizes athletes who overcome great obstacles.
• The university lionizes its most successful alumni at graduation ceremonies.