verb

extol

ik-STOHL/ɪkˈstəʊl/

To praise highly and enthusiastically.

The admirer extols the artist's painting with enthusiastic applause and a delighted smile.

An enthusiastic admirer celebrates an artist and her painting, applauding with a broad, delighted smile while the artist stands modestly beside her work.

Etymology

The pieces describe lifting something up or placing it on high. That physical elevation became figurative elevation through praise: to extol people is to raise them high in esteem.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin18:06

only the Craven and the foolish extol death or suffering or asceticism as some form of Bravery or wisdom or growth or development

How to Love Yourself Into Healing, But Not Become a Narcissist (Compilation)

More examples

The chef extols the virtues of fresh, local ingredients.
Critics extolled the novel for its vivid characters.
He keeps extolling the benefits of his morning walks.

Forms

extol · extols · extolled · extolling

Similar words

praise: Expresses approval without necessarily conveying the same high enthusiasm.
laud: Similarly means praise highly, often in formal or public settings.
commend: Often recognizes specific merit rather than expressing exuberant admiration.