WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
li•on•ize /ˈlaɪəˌnaɪz/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object], -ized, -iz•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to treat (a person) as a celebrity:was lionized by the press.
li•on•ize
(lī′ə nīz′),USA pronunciation v., -ized, -iz•ing.
v.t.
v.i.
li′on•i•za′tion, n.
li′on•iz′er, n.
v.t.
- to treat (a person) as a celebrity:to lionize the visiting poet.
- British Termsto visit or exhibit the objects of interest of (a place).
v.i.
- to pursue celebrities or seek their company.
- British Termsto visit the objects of interest of a place.
- lion + ize 1800–10
li′on•iz′er, n.