lionize

/ˌlaɪəˈnaɪz/

Other forms: lionized; lionizing; lionizes

The lion is often portrayed as the noble king of beasts. As such, to lionize someone is to characterize them as being highly important and distinguished, like a great and honorable leader.

In literature and art, the lion is often used as a symbol of pride, strength, courage, and nobility. So when you lionize someone, you attribute to them all those impressive traits. Sports stars and political leaders are often lionized by their supporters. Some people are uncomfortable with being lionized. After rescuing a puppy from a frozen pond, the local teenager who did the good deed might resist people's efforts to lionize him, saying, "I'm no hero! I only did what anybody else would do!"

Definitions of lionize

1. verb

   assign great social importance to
   “The tenor was lionized in Vienna”

   synonyms: celebrate, lionise

   type of:

   abide by, honor, honour, observe, respect

   show respect towards