euhemerize

1. (ambitransitive, derogatory) To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends.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."Synonyms: rationalizeambitransitivederogatory

2. (ambitransitive) Synonym of deify: to actually create mythology and legends from ancient historical figures and events.Examples: "The Yellow Emperor was perhaps euhemerized from a prehistoric tribal leader."Synonyms: deifyambitransitive