pedestal

/ˈpɛdəstl/

/ˈpɛdɪstəl/

Other forms: pedestals

A pedestal is a base or foundation that supports something like a statue or work of art. Think of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. where a statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair is raised up on a huge pedestal.

Think of the physical stand or support when you use pedestal figuratively to mean a place of superiority. If you put someone on a pedestal, you honor that person or place him or her above you, as you might a piece of valued art. If you want to knock someone off his or her pedestal, you think that person is too arrogant and you want to do something to humble him or her.

Definitions of pedestal

1. noun

   an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)
   synonyms: footstall, plinth

   types:

   socle

   a plain plinth that supports a wall

   type of:

   support

   supporting structure that holds up or provides a foundation
2. noun

   a support or foundation
   synonyms: base, stand

   types:

   brass monkey

   a metal stand that formerly held cannon balls on sailing ships

   staddle

   a base or platform on which hay or corn is stacked

   trivet

   a stand, often with short feet, used under a hot dish on a table

   trivet

   a three-legged metal stand for supporting a cooking vessel in a hearth

   type of:

   support

   any device that bears the weight of another thing
3. noun

   a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority)
   “they put him on a pedestal”

   type of:

   position, status

   the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society