lionize

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree English lion Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor. Late Latin -izōder. Middle French -iserbor. Middle English -isen English -ize English lionize From lion + -ize.

1. To treat (a person) as if they were important, or a celebrity.

   “Flare-riding is one of the most exotic and exhilarating sports in existence, and those who can dare and afford to do it are amongst the most lionized men in the Galaxy.”

   “He [Li Wenliang] died of COVID-19 in February, lionized by the Chinese public as a hero and whistleblower.”

2. To visit (a famous place) in order to revere it.