What does it mean to "lionize" someone?

To "lionize" someone means to glorify or treat them as a celebrity, bestowing onto them a level of admiration and esteem typically reserved for public figures or heroes. This term originates from the age-old practice of referring to celebrated individuals as 'lions' – majestic and worthy of respect. When one lionizes another, they elevate them in status and often bring attention to their achievements or attributes, akin to how society might react to a celebrity.

In this context, options like wasting time, expressing lust, or placing side-by-side do not relate to the core definition of lionizing someone. While they convey different actions or concepts, they fail to encapsulate the essence of admiration and glorification that the term suggests. This understanding of lionizing enriches the comprehension of social dynamics, recognition, and the impact of celebrity culture on individual perception.