Ron Fournier

Argo,' 'Lincoln,' and 'Zero Dark Thirty,' three films honored with Best Picture Oscar nominations, lionize their Washington-anchored protagonists as crafty, competent, and virtually incorruptible.

American Journalist

Glenn Greenwald

The American Right has an amazing ability to lionize leaders whose lives are the precise antithesis of the political values that define their image.

Lionize generally has a positive meaning, suggesting admiration and respect.

Positive Connotation

Sometimes people are lionized for shallow reasons rather than real accomplishments.

Not Always Deserved

Lionize is used metaphorically, comparing the treatment of a person to the admiration for a lion.