revere

/rɪˈvir/

/rɪˈvɪə/

Other forms: revered; reveres; revering

Revere means to respect someone so deeply that you almost worship them. Many Americans revere civil rights activists like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, who worked to make the country a more just place.

Revere is related to the words reverence ("to hold something in worshipful awe") and its opposite — irreverent. Reverence for the irreverent is actually possible. Howard Stern humor is often vulgar and absurdly irreverent yet his legions of fans and even some media analysts revere him and his ability to maintain a loyal audience. Revere is the perfect word when respect is not strong enough but worship seems a little too religious-sounding. Rock stars, for example, are revered by throngs of devoted fans.

Definitions of revere

1. verb

   regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
   synonyms: fear, reverence, venerate

   types:

   enshrine, saint

   hold sacred

   worship

   show devotion to (a deity)

   type of:

   esteem, prise, prize, respect, value

   regard highly; think much of
2. verb

   love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
   synonyms: hero-worship, idolise, idolize, worship

   types:

   drool over, slobber over

   envy without restraint

   type of:

   adore

   love intensely
3. noun

   a lapel on a woman's garment; turned back to show the reverse side
   synonyms: revers

   type of:

   lapel

   lap at the front of a coat; continuation of the coat collar