1. the exaggeration of the positive attributes and minimization of the imperfections or failings associated with a person, place, thing, or situation, so that it is viewed as perfect or nearly perfect.

2. in psychoanalytic theory, a defense mechanism that protects the individual from conscious feelings of ambivalence toward the idealized object. Idealization of parents and other important figures plays a role in the development of the ego-ideal. —idealize vb.