glamorize
UK[ˈɡlæməraɪz]US[ˈɡlæməˌraɪz]
v
to make something seem more attractive, exciting, or desirable than it really is.
v
to portray or present in a glamorous way.
Morpheme Breakdown
glamor
ize
glamor
ize
Etymology
the word 'glamorize' is a modern formation built upon the noun 'glamour'. 'glamour' itself entered english from scots in the 18th century, where it meant a spell or enchantment. it is an alteration of the word 'grammar', which in the middle ages was associated with scholarly learning, including the occult. the semantic shift from 'magic' to 'alluring charm' captures the idea of a captivating, almost magical attractiveness. the suffix '-ize', of ancient greek origin, is a prolific verb-forming element in english, added to 'glamour' to create the sense 'to make glamorous' or 'to invest with a deceptive allure'.
Analysis
Structure: glamor + ize
glamor (from scots, meaning magic, enchantment; a variant of 'gramarye' or 'grammar' in the obsolete sense of occult learning) + ize (verb-forming suffix from greek -izein via latin -izare and french -iser, meaning to make, to become, or to subject to an action).
Examples
the documentary sought to tell the harsh truth of war and not glamorize it.
advertisers often glamorize a luxurious lifestyle to sell their products.
the film was criticized for glamorizing the life of a criminal.