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Definition of lionize

lionize

/ˈlaɪ.ə.naɪz/
(UK: lionise)
li · on · ize
Past Simple:lionized
•
Past Participle:lionized
•
Present Participle:lionizing
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lionize Lexical Profile

lionize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To treat someone as a celebrity or an object of great public interest and admiration.

Example

"Literary critics and society hosts began to lionize the young novelist after her debut book won the prestigious award."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lionize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for lionize

• Rhymes for lionize

• Nearby Words

lionhead goldfish
lionheart
lionhearted
lionize
lionlike
lip
lipgloss

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from 'lion' in the sense of a prominent sight worth seeing, referring to the royal menagerie of lions formerly kept at the Tower of London as a major tourist attraction.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lionize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lionize
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