sentimentalize

/ˌsɛntəˈmɛntəˌlaɪz/
verb
  1. To treat something in an overly emotional or nostalgic way, often ignoring its negative aspects.
    • Don't sentimentalize the past; remember it as it really was.
    • The director chose to sentimentalize the story, adding a happy ending that never happened.
    • People often sentimentalize their childhood, forgetting the difficult times.
What does "sentimentalize" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean