Definition of apotheosis

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< apothem

apotheosize >

a·poth·e·o·sis    (-pth-ss, p-th-ss) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. a·poth·e·o·ses  (-sz) KEY 

1. Exaltation to divine rank or stature; deification.
2. Elevation to a preeminent or transcendent position; glorification: "Many observers have tried to attribute Warhol's current apotheosis to the subversive power of artistic vision" (Michiko Kakutani).
3. An exalted or glorified example: Their leader was the apotheosis of courage.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin apothesis, from Greek, from apotheoun, to deify : apo-, change ; see apo- + theos, god; see dhs- in Indo-European roots