idealize

[ ahy-dee-uh-lahyz ]
See synonyms for: idealizeidealized on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),i·de·al·ized, i·de·al·iz·ing.
  1. to make ideal; represent in an ideal form or character; exalt to an ideal perfection or excellence.

verb (used without object),i·de·al·ized, i·de·al·iz·ing.
  1. to represent something in an ideal form.

Origin of idealize

1
First recorded in 1780–90; ideal + -ize
  • Also especially British, i·de·al·ise .

Other words from idealize

  • i·de·al·iz·er, noun
  • o·ver·i·de·al·ize, verb, o·ver·i·de·al·ized, o·ver·i·de·al·iz·ing.
  • un·i·de·al·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use idealize in a sentence

  • The moral "ought" is an idealised form of the primitive tribal "must."

    Theism or Atheism | Chapman Cohen
  • It is the beautiful expression of a nature which combined the Greek and the Asiatic characteristics only slightly idealised.

    Romance of Roman Villas | Elizabeth W. (Elizbeth Williams) Champney
  • Mr Say's portrait of Guizot is softened down and idealised till the character of the man is lost.

  • He was her hero, and she moulded him to her fancy, and beautified him, and idealised him.

    London's Heart | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
  • He was very unlike his idealised portrait in the statue; but what matters that?

    A Book of Ghosts | Sabine Baring-Gould

British Dictionary definitions for idealize

idealize

idealise

/ (aɪˈdɪəˌlaɪz) /


verb
  1. to consider or represent (something) as ideal

  2. (tr) to portray as ideal; glorify

  1. (intr) to form an ideal or ideals

Derived forms of idealize

  • idealizer or idealiser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012