pedestalize

Put on high

To pedestalize is to put someone on a pedestal—to idealize or admire them to an excessive degree that ignores their flaws.

The word typically carries a critical edge, suggesting the admiration is naive or unhealthy: He pedestalized her so much that he couldn't see how poorly she treated him.

Common in discussions of relationships and celebrity worship.

idealization

idolize

Revere to excess

romanticizePortray as more appealing
idealizeRegard as flawless
glorifyPraise to excess

hero-worship · lionize · deify · apotheosize · worship · revere · exalt · adulate · overrate · overvalue

admiration

admire

Regard with approval

esteemFavorable opinion of worth
respectRegard with honor
honorHigh regard, moral dignity

praise · laud · extol · acclaim · commend · celebrate · cherish · appreciate · tribute · venerate

elevation

raise

Lift or increase

elevateTo raise upward
upliftRaise emotionally or physically
exaltPraise with great intensity

lift up · heighten · boost · hoist · enshrine · enthrone · superior · lofty · high regard · prominence

Opposites

esteem/regard

pedestalizedemonize

Portray as utterly evil

vilify · degrade · denigrate · disparage · debase

perceptual accuracy

pedestalizehumanize

Make more relatable

demythologize · see clearly · desanctify · ground · demystify

Family

pedestaling, pedestalized, pedestalization

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G