euhemerize
Pronunciations (2)
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/juˈhiməˌɹaɪz/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
-
/juːˈhiːməˌɹaɪz/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
Verb
To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Derogatory
- Synonyms
- demythologizeundeify[personage]]s are the direct objects>
- Examples
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Near-synonyms: demythologize (sometimes synonymous), undeify (synonymous when personages are the direct objects)
Confucian scholars frequently euhemerized the myths used to explain religious rituals to the public.
More examples (2)
He did but extend to the New Testament the Euhemerising principles which Eichhorn had applied to the Old.
The legend of Semiramis was a euhemerised version of the story of Istar.
To create mythology and legends from ancient historical figures and events.
Usage- Transitive or intransitive
- Synonyms
- mythologizedeify[personage]]s are the direct objects>
- Examples
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Near-synonym: deify (synonymous when personages are the direct objects)
The Yellow Emperor was perhaps euhemerized from a prehistoric tribal leader.
Word forms
euhemerizeseuhemerizingeuhemerizedeuhemerizedeuhemerise