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Idolater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idolater

[aษชหˆdษ’lษ™tษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious worship

A person who worships an idol or idols, especially a person who worships a physical object as a god.

Synonyms

idol worshipper, pagan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolater

Same as the first entry. Can be used interchangeably in contexts discussing religious idol worship, with a potential for negative implication.

  • Medieval critics often labeled their enemies as idolaters for practicing non-Christian rituals.
pagan

Refers generally to someone who follows a polytheistic or nature-based religion, and not specifically idol worship. Historically, itโ€™s often used in a pejorative sense to describe non-Abrahamic religions.

  • During the spread of Christianity, many traditional beliefs were dismissed as pagan.
idol worshipper

Similar to 'idolater', this term explicitly describes someone who practices idol worship. It is more specific and descriptive, often used in discussions about different religious practices.

  • The tribe's practices include venerating various deities, making them idol worshippers.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient idolaters created statues to worship.
  • Idolaters believe in the power of their idols to bring them blessings.
  • She was considered an idolater by the followers of the monotheistic religion.
Context #2 | Noun

admirer

A person who admires or idolizes someone or something to an excessive extent.

Synonyms

admirer, devotee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolater

Typically used in a religious or spiritual context, often with a negative connotation, referring to someone who excessively worships idols or false gods.

  • The priest warned the community about becoming idolaters.
  • In ancient times, idolaters were often persecuted for their beliefs.
admirer

Commonly used in casual or personal contexts to describe someone who has a great liking or respect for another person, often from a distance.

  • She had many admirers due to her talent and kindness.
  • He stood quietly at the back of the room, admiring her work.
devotee

Often used to describe someone who is ardently enthusiastic about a particular religion, art, sport, or other fields, with a strong positive feeling.

  • As a devotee of classical music, he never missed a concert.
  • The temple was filled with devotees offering prayers.

Examples of usage

  • She was an idolater of the famous singer, attending every concert.
  • He was an idolater of money, always striving for wealth.
  • The young girl was an idolater of fashion, following every trend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many religious traditions, idolaters are often viewed negatively, as they prioritize physical representations over spiritual connections.
  • Some cultures have historic moments where idol worship was linked to power struggles and political control.
  • Contemporary society sometimes uses 'idolater' to describe fans of pop culture or celebrities, hinting at extreme admiration.

Literature

  • In John Milton's 'Paradise Lost,' the term appears to discuss the dangers of misplaced worship.
  • Many classic novels use characters who idolize figures, leading to significant consequences in their arcs.
  • In some poetry, idolaters are portrayed as tragic figures, caught in the tension of love and obsession.

Psychology

  • Idolatry can be examined as a psychological phenomenon, where extreme admiration can stem from personal insecurities.
  • Obsessive admiration can lead to unhealthy relationships, mirroring idolater's fixation on their objects of admiration.
  • The concept encapsulates the idea of projection, where fans attribute idealized traits to their idols.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the word can be humorously applied in fandoms, where individuals may joke about being an 'idolater' of their favorite actors or musicians.
  • Social media has amplified idol worship, encouraging idolaters to express their admiration publicly.
  • In some discussions, people may criticize modern idolization of celebrities compared to historical worship of deities.

Origin of 'idolater'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'idolatriae,' meaning worship of an idol.
  • Its roots trace back to the Greek word 'eidolon,' which means a phantom or image.
  • Originally, it referred specifically to worshipping physical images or statues in ancient religions.

The word 'idolater' dates back to the 14th century and comes from the Old French word 'idolatre', which in turn is derived from the Late Latin 'idolatres', meaning 'idol-worshipper'. The concept of idolatry has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, often associated with the worship of physical objects or images as deities. In monotheistic religions, idolatry is often condemned as a form of false worship.

See also: idol, idolatry, idolization, idolize, idols, idyllic.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,844 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.