n. 1. The act or process of idealizing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fine Arts) The representation of natural objects, scenes, etc., in such a way as to show their most important characteristics; the study of the ideal. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A defense mechanism that splits something one is ambivalent about into two representations -- one good and one bad. [ wns=1 ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

4. something that exists only as an idea. [ wns=2 ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

5. a protrayal of something as ideal. [ wns=3 ]
Syn. -- glorification. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Idealized p. pr. & vb. n. Idealizing ] 1. To make ideal; to consider as ideal; to give an ideal form or value to; to attribute ideal characteristics and excellences to; as, to idealize real life. [ wns=1 ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fine Arts) To treat in an ideal manner. See Idealization, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. to form ideals. [ wns=2 ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. i. [ Cf. F. idéaliser. ] To form ideals. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An idealist. [ 1913 Webster ]