idolization

The word 'idolization' is built upon the core concept of an 'idol', which originates from the Greek 'eidōlon', meaning a phantom or an image, particularly a false god or a representation. This term entered English via Latin and Old French. The suffix '-ization' is a productive English morpheme that denotes the process of making or becoming. Therefore, the literal morphemic construction means "the process of making (someone or something) into an idol." Over time, the meaning evolved from the specific religious act of worshipping a physical idol to the more abstract and psychological act of extreme admiration or veneration of a person or idea.

Structure: idol (idol) + ization (process of making) idol: From Latin 'idolum' (image, phantom), via Greek 'eidōlon' (image, form, phantom). Functions as the base noun. ization: A suffix forming nouns of action or process, from the Greek-derived suffix '-ize' (to make) combined with the Latin-derived suffix '-ation' (the act or process of). Functions as a nominalizing suffix.