apotheosize

apotheosize — verb

  • apotheosizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • apotheosizes3rd person singular
  • apotheosizing-ing form
  • apotheosizedpast simple

1. to treat a person or thing as if they are a god — either by literally raising th

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to treat a person or thing as if they are a god — either by literally raising them to divine status or by praising them so highly that they seem to belong to a higher, superhuman order

例句

The Roman senate apotheosized Emperor Augustus shortly after his death.

historical and political register

Ezra's fans apotheosized the young poet, treating every line as holy truth.

同義詞
  • deify

    the closest synonym; strongly emphasises making someone into a god, usually in a religious or mythological setting

  • glorify

    broader and weaker; can mean to praise highly without implying the person or thing is treated as divine

  • idolize

    more common and informal; used for intense admiration of celebrities, not for literal deification

  • exalt

    formal; emphasises raising someone to high status or honour, but not necessarily treating them as a god

反義詞
  • demonize

    to portray someone as evil or demonic — the direct opposite of treating them as godlike

  • vilify

    to speak about someone with abusive contempt, the reverse of glorification

文法句型

apotheosize + someone/something

apotheosize + someone + as + god/hero/legend

用法筆記

A rare, formal word that is stronger than 'praise' or 'admire.' It describes treating a person or thing as godlike. Found mainly in writing about history, religion, and culture. Distinguish from the more common 'idolize,' which is used for everyday admiration of celebrities.

常見錯誤

❌The critics apotheosized the film for its clever plot.
✅The critics praised the film for its clever plot.
💡'apotheosize' is far too strong for routine praise; it means treating something as godlike, not just complimenting it.
❌He apotheosizes his new phone and shows it to everyone.
✅He idolizes his new phone and shows it to everyone.
💡'idolize' is the right word for excessive everyday admiration; 'apotheosize' belongs in formal or historical contexts.