Which word means to praise someone excessively?

The term that means to praise someone excessively is "adulate." This word specifically conveys the idea of admiring someone to an excessive degree, often implying a level of flattery or sycophancy that goes beyond genuine appreciation. Adulation often involves lavish praise that is more about ingratiating oneself than about sincere admiration.

The other options do have positive connotations associated with praise or admiration, but they do not convey the same intensity or excessiveness of praise. "Adore" suggests a deep love or fondness, yet it does not necessarily imply excessive praise. "Appreciate" generally refers to recognizing the value or significance of something or someone without the connotation of excessive flattery. "Acclaim" refers to enthusiastic and public praise, but it may not imply the same level of personal excess as "adulate." Hence, "adulate" is the most precise term for excessive praise in this context.