Euhemerize

/juˈhiməˌɹaɪz/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive, derogatory) To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive, derogatory) To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends.
2. (ambitransitive) To create mythology and legends from ancient historical figures and events.

Example Sentences

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.

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.

Near-synonym: deify (synonymous when personages are the direct objects)

The Yellow Emperor was perhaps euhemerized from a prehistoric tribal leader.

Synonyms for euhemerize

Antonyms for euhemerize

Related Words

Word Forms

• euhemerizes
• euhemerizing
• euhemerized
• euhemerise

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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