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Definitions

deification

[dee-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌdi ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /
NOUN
apotheosis
Synonyms
STRONG
elevation exaltation glorification hero worship idolization veneration worship
WEAK
immortalization
Antonyms
STRONG
aspersion calumniation character assassination defamation denigration traducement vilification vituperation
NOUN
elevation
Synonyms
STRONG
aggrandizement apotheosis boost eminence ennoblement exaltation glorification grandeur loftiness magnification nobility nobleness preference preferment raise sublimity
WEAK
exaltedness immortalization lionization prelation upgrading
Antonyms
STRONG
decrease unimportance
WEAK
demotion depression disdain lowness spurning
NOUN
glorification
Synonyms
STRONG
apotheosis exaltation translation
Antonyms
WEAK
vilification
NOUN
hero worship
Synonyms
WEAK
adoration apotheosis breathless adoration exaggerated respect idolization worship
NOUN
honor
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attention celebration confidence credit dignity distinction esteem faith fame glory praise prestige recognition reputation tribute trust
STRONG
account adoration adulation aggrandizement apotheosis approbation canonization consideration deference elevation exaltation fealty glorification greatness homage laud laurel notice obeisance popularity rank renown repute reverence veneration worship wreath
WEAK
high standing immortalization lionization
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blame criticism disbelief disclaimer dishonor disregard distrust doubt ignorance ill repute lowliness unimportance
STRONG
depression disdain disobedience disrespect heedlessness neglect scorn
WEAK
blemish censure condemnation debasement degradation denunciation derision disgrace humiliation reproach stigma
NOUN
reverence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admiration adoration awe deference devotion esteem loyalty piety respect veneration
STRONG
apotheosis approbation approval bow devoutness fealty fear genuflection homage honor love obeisance obsequiousness praise prostration religiousness worship
WEAK
high esteem
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dishonor disregard disrespect hate
STRONG
censure condemnation criticism dislike hatred
WEAK
disdain scorn
NOUN
worship
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adoration church service devotion prayer rite ritual
STRONG
adulation awe beatification benediction chapel exaltation genuflection glory homage honor idolatry idolization invocation love offering praise prostration regard respect reverence service supplication veneration vespers
WEAK
laudation
Antonyms
STRONG
censure condemnation criticism debasement denunciation disdain dishonor dislike disregard disrespect hate humiliation scorn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sidestepping the deification of his subject, Mr. O’Meara humanizes Prefontaine in his vexing contradictions, buoyant spirit and brutal competitiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2025

Maybe columnist Bill Plaschke and others can now stop the deification of Caleb Williams.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2023

The process of deification had become so routine among later emperors that when the emperor Vespasian was dying, he is reported to have said, “Alas! I think I am becoming a god!”

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

“The deification that those folks made of Jerry is basically what killed him,” Weir said.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2022

However useful this deification was to the church, it was attended with some difficulties.

From Critical Examination of the Life of St. Paul by Annet, Peter

Vocabulary lists containing deification

The Souls of Black Folk

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"Reality Check," Vocabulary from the short story

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The Island of Doctor Moreau

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!