lionize

/ˈlaɪənaɪz/

Group 16Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To give a lot of public attention and approval to someone; to treat as a celebrity
GRE

Example in Context

The press lionized the young whistleblower, whose courage in exposing the fraud made her a national hero overnight.

Synonyms

idolizecelebrateglorify

Etymology

To treat someone like a lion, suggesting they are celebrated or revered.

  • lion (Latin) — lion
  • -ize (English) — to make

Memory Aid

👑Sounds like “line eyes

When I see my friend in a LION costume, I LINE UP with EYES wide like he's a celebrity!

Visual Association

🌟A crowd of fans surrounding a famous person, snapping photos as if they were a lion on display.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “lionize” mean on the GRE?

lionize (verb) means “To give a lot of public attention and approval to someone; to treat as a celebrity”. The press lionized the young whistleblower, whose courage in exposing the fraud made her a national hero overnight.

How to remember “lionize” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “lionize” sounds like “line eyes”. When I see my friend in a LION costume, I LINE UP with EYES wide like he's a celebrity!

What are synonyms for “lionize”?

Common synonyms: idolize, celebrate, glorify.