lavish on

lavish (something) (up)on (someone or something)

To give, heap, or bestow something freely and in great abundance to someone or something. Don't be too eager to lavish praise upon your children unless they've truly earned it, or else they could end up with an inflated ego or sense of entitlement. The critic lavished scorn on the director's latest film, calling it a disgusting, obscene piece of exploitation.See also: lavish

lavish something (up)on someone

to give something freely to someone; to squander something on someone. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The manager lavished all sorts of favors upon the new employee. Susan lavished compliments on the cook.See also: lavish, on

lavish on

v. To give or bestow something in abundance to someone or something: The critics lavished praise on the new movie. The pundits lavished scorn on the new mayor.See also: lavish, on