idealize
ideal|ize /aɪd'iːəlaɪz/ (idealizes idealizing idealized)
in BRIT, also use idealise
[VERB] V n
If you idealize something or someone, you think of them, or represent them to other people, as being perfect or much better than they really are.
People idealize the past...
● idealized [ADJ] usu ADJ n
...an idealised image of how a parent should be...
● idealization [N-VAR]
...Marie's idealisation of her dead husband.
in BRIT, also use idealise
[VERB] V n
If you idealize something or someone, you think of them, or represent them to other people, as being perfect or much better than they really are.
People idealize the past...
● idealized [ADJ] usu ADJ n
...an idealised image of how a parent should be...
● idealization [N-VAR]
...Marie's idealisation of her dead husband.