Meaning of euhemerize | Babel Free

Definitions

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

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

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

CEFR level