de|i|fy

de|i|fy «DEE uh fy», transitive verb, -fied, -fy|ing.

1. to make a god of: »

Many American Indians deified and worshiped streams, trees, animals, and other objects of nature.

2. to worship or regard as a god: »

Some deify wealth, others, power.

SYNONYM(S): adore, idolize.

╂[< Old French deifier < Late Latin deificāre < Latin deificus; see etym. under deific (Cf. ↑deific)]