hero-worship

1 of 2

verb

he·​ro-wor·​ship ˈhir-(ˌ)ō-ˌwər-ship How to pronounce hero-worship (audio)
hero-worshipped also hero-worshiped; hero-worshipping also hero-worshiping; hero-worships

transitive verb

: to feel or express hero worship for
hero-worshipper noun

hero worship

2 of 2

noun

1
: veneration of a hero
2
: foolish or excessive adulation for an individual

Examples of hero-worship in a Sentence

Verb people who hero-worship celebrities are setting themselves up for disappointment a golfing pro who is hero-worshipped by hordes of weekend duffers Noun He objects to the unthinking hero worship of great athletes by their fans. once the object of uncritical hero worship, the aging quarterback now faces the derision of his team's fickle fans
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Machismo is another one of these elements as the doc repeatedly shows a star matador and his hero-worshipping entourage. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 Machismo is another one of these elements as the doc repeatedly shows a star matador and his hero-worshipping entourage. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
The young girl's feelings of being left out and ostracized by her peers likely led her to the group—which experts say is a dangerous mix of hero worship and unhealthy messaging about how to cope with bullying. Sarah Scott, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 Springsteen admires the precision, energy, and intelligence of Bryan’s songwriting, but he’s also clearly charmed by the 28-year-old Navy veteran’s obvious hero worship, puppy-in-a-frat energy, and relentless sincerity. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hero-worship

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hero-worship was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Hero-worship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero-worship. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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