lionize

See also: lionise

WOTD – 8 August 2007

English

Alternative forms

• lionise

Etymology

From lion +‎ -ize.

Pronunciation

• enPR: lī'-ə-nīz, IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪənaɪz/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Verb

1. (transitive) To treat (a person) as if they were important, or a celebrity.
   • 1995, Douglas Adams, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy: a Trilogy in Five Parts, →ISBN, page 239:

     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.

2. (transitive) To visit famous places in order to revere them.
3. (intransitive) To behave as a lion.

Derived terms

• lionizer