verb
deify
DEE-ih-fy
Deify (verb) means to make someone or something into a god. Example: “Many ancient cultures deified their rulers after death.”
verb
1
To make someone or something into a god.
"Many ancient cultures deified their rulers after death."
"The myth tells how the hero was deified for his deeds."
"Some peoples have deified natural forces such as the sun and the sea."
2
To treat a person or thing as worthy of worship, or to praise them far too highly.
"Fans tend to deify their favourite musicians."
"It is unwise to deify any politician, however popular."
"The press deified the young striker after his first season."
How to use deify
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo treat someone or something as a god.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal word, and in its looser sense it often carries a note of criticism.
Memory tip
Do not mix it up with edify, which uses the same letters but means to improve someone morally or intellectually.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
deify a leader
deify a hero
be deified by followers
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Fans tend to _____ their favourite musicians.
Etymology
Deify came into English from French déifier, which came from the Latin deificāre, itself based on deus, meaning god. It can also be analysed as deity plus the ending -ify.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for deify
See all rhymes for deify →Frequently asked questions
What does deify mean?
To deify is to make someone or something into a god. It is also used for treating a person as if they deserved worship.
How do you pronounce deify?
It is usually said DEE-ih-fy, though some British speakers say DAY-ih-fy.
What is the noun for deify?
The related noun is deification, meaning the act of making something into a god.
What is the meaning of deify?
"deify" (verb) means to make someone or something into a god.
