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Iconolatry: meaning, definitions and examples

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iconolatry

[ ˌaɪkɒˈnɒlətri ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious worship

Iconolatry refers to the worship of icons, images, or idols, particularly in a religious context. It involves the belief that these physical representations can serve as conduits to the divine or spiritual realm, and are therefore deserving of reverence.

Synonyms

icon worship, image worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
iconolatry	As the term is repeated, it holds the same meaning and context as previously described. It's used mainly in academic, historical, or critical contexts concerning the veneration of icons. The historian wrote extensively on iconolatry in medieval Europe Iconolatry was a significant point of contention during the Reformation
icon worship	Commonly used in everyday speech to describe the act of worshiping physical representations like statues or pictures. Fits in casual or formal conversations about religious practices. Many people mistakenly believe that Eastern Orthodox Christians practice icon worship The congregation gathered for a special ceremony of icon worship
image worship	Generally used in a more critical or negative sense to describe the act of worshiping images rather than the deity itself. Common in religious critiques or debates. The priest condemned image worship, advocating for a more spiritual connection with God Throughout history, many reformers have spoken out against image worship

Word

Description / Examples

iconolatry

As the term is repeated, it holds the same meaning and context as previously described. It's used mainly in academic, historical, or critical contexts concerning the veneration of icons.

The historian wrote extensively on iconolatry in medieval Europe
Iconolatry was a significant point of contention during the Reformation

icon worship

Commonly used in everyday speech to describe the act of worshiping physical representations like statues or pictures. Fits in casual or formal conversations about religious practices.

Many people mistakenly believe that Eastern Orthodox Christians practice icon worship
The congregation gathered for a special ceremony of icon worship

image worship

Generally used in a more critical or negative sense to describe the act of worshiping images rather than the deity itself. Common in religious critiques or debates.

The priest condemned image worship, advocating for a more spiritual connection with God
Throughout history, many reformers have spoken out against image worship

Examples of usage

Iconolatry was a common practice in many ancient civilizations.
Some cultures still engage in iconolatry as part of their religious rituals.
The debate over iconolatry versus iconoclasm has been a recurring theme in religious history.

Translations

Translations of the word "iconolatry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iconolatria

🇮🇳 चित्रपूजा

🇩🇪 Ikonolatrie

🇮🇩 ikonolatri

🇺🇦 іконолатрія

🇵🇱 ikonolatria

🇯🇵 アイコノラトリー

🇫🇷 iconolâtrie

🇪🇸 iconolatría

🇹🇷 ikonolatri

🇰🇷 아이코노라트리

🇸🇦 عبادة الصور

🇨🇿 ikonolatrie

🇸🇰 ikonolatria

🇨🇳 图像崇拜

🇸🇮 ikonolatrija

🇮🇸 íkonólatría

🇰🇿 иконолатрия

🇬🇪 აიკონოლატრია

🇦🇿 ikonolatriya

🇲🇽 iconolatría

Etymology

The term 'iconolatry' has its roots in the Greek words 'eikon' (image) and 'latreia' (worship), reflecting the concept of reverence for images or icons. The practice of iconolatry has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, often associated with religious beliefs and rituals. However, the debate over the appropriateness of iconolatry in different religious traditions has also sparked controversies and conflicts, such as the iconoclastic movements that sought to eradicate the worship of icons. Despite these controversies, iconolatry continues to be a significant aspect of certain religious practices and traditions.

See also: icon, iconic, iconoclast, iconography, icons, laconicism.