idealizing

Definitions

The act of representing or regarding something as perfect or better than it actually is.

The process of forming or pursuing an ideal or a high standard of excellence.

To treat or exalt someone or something as an embodiment of perfection.

Examples

He spent years idealizing his childhood, forgetting the hardships his family actually faced.

By constantly idealizing her partner, she failed to notice the red flags in their relationship.

The media is often criticized for idealizing unrealistic beauty standards that affect young people's self-esteem.

Synonyms

romanticizing glamorizing lionizing idolizing eulogizing exalting beautifying

Antonyms

criticizing denigrating disparaging vilifying condemning depreciating belittling