idolize

To idolize means to admire, worship, or love someone intensely, often to an excessive degree. It goes beyond simple admiration; it involves holding someone in such high esteem that you may overlook their flaws and imperfections. For example: "As a child, she idolized her older brother," meaning she looked up to him with unwavering adoration.

The word comes from the practice of worshiping idols, physical representations of gods or deities. Just as people would offer reverence and devotion to these idols, to idolize someone is to give them an almost god-like status in your mind.

Idolization often happens during formative years when we are searching for role models. A young athlete might idolize a famous player, striving to emulate their techniques and achievements. However, it is important to remember that everyone has weaknesses. Blindly idolizing someone can be unhealthy, as it prevents you from seeing them realistically.

You will often see the phrase "idolized figure" used to describe someone who is greatly admired by others, such as a celebrity, leader, or historical icon. But even everyday people can become objects of idolization for those around them. It is a powerful emotion that can inspire great things or lead to disappointment if it is not tempered with realism.