Definitions

1. verb

to regard or treat someone or something as a hero or celebrity; to extol or praise someone or something excessively

“The media lionized the young athlete after his record-breaking performance.”

2. verb

to make someone or something famous or celebrated, often artificially or unrealistically

“The film lionized the life of the famous musician, but some critics argued it was overly flattering.”

3. noun

the act of regarding or treating someone or something as a hero or celebrity

“The lionization of the famous actor was a major topic of discussion at the awards ceremony.”