glorify

verb

glo·​ri·​fy ˈglȯr-ə-ˌfī 

glorified; glorifying

transitive verb

1

a

: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration

b

: to elevate to celestial glory

2

: to light up brilliantly

Chandeliers glorified the entire room.

3

a

: to represent as glorious : extol

a song glorifying romantic love

b

: to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition

the new position is just a glorified version of the old stockroom job

4

: to give glory to (as in worship)

glorification

ˌglȯr-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

glorifier

ˈglȯr-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• aggrandize
• canonize
• deify
• dignify
• elevate
• ennoble
• enshrine
• ensky
• enthrone
• exalt
• magnify

Examples of glorify in a Sentence

Glorify and give thanks to God.

a number of big names were recruited in the hopes that their presence would glorify the university's school of medicine in the eyes of the medical world

Recent Examples on the Web

The campaign, which has received support from more than 1,500 anonymous donors, has sparked concern among law enforcement, as some messages of support appear to glorify the suspect's actions. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

He was glorified, vilified, the subject of erotic fan fiction, memorialized in tattoo form, memed and plastered onto merch, and endlessly scrutinized. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

Others glorify and idolize Mangione for the attack. —Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

His teammates have all been glorified reserve drivers. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English glorifien, from Anglo-French glorifier, from Late Latin glorificare, from gloria

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

glorify

verb

glo·​ri·​fy ˈglōr-ə-ˌfī 

ˈglȯr-

glorified; glorifying

1

: worship entry 2 sense 1, adore

2

: to praise highly

3

: to present in a highly often overly favorable light

glorify war

glorification

ˌglōr-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

ˌglȯr-

noun

glorifier

ˈglōr-ə-fī(-ə)r 

ˈglȯr-

noun