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Idolatry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idolatry

[aษชหˆdษ’lษ™tri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious worship

Idolatry is the worship of idols, images, or objects as gods. It is considered a sin in many religions, including Christianity and Islam. Idolatry involves giving devotion and reverence to something other than the one true God.

Synonyms

iconolatry, idol worship, paganism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolatry

Used to describe excessive or blind adoration or reverence for someone or something, often implying a negative connotation, especially in religious contexts.

  • His idolatry of celebrities was bordering on obsession
  • The religious leader warned against the dangers of idolatry
idol worship

Refers directly to the act of worshipping idols, which can be physical objects or representations, and is often viewed negatively, especially in monotheistic religions.

  • In monotheistic faiths, idol worship is considered a grave sin
  • The ancient tribe practiced idol worship, venerating statues of their gods
paganism

Describes religious practices and beliefs that are polytheistic and often nature-based, usually referring to ancient or traditional religions that are not part of the main world religions.

  • Modern reconstructions of paganism seek to revive ancient rituals and beliefs
  • The villagers' customs were labeled as paganism by early missionaries
iconolatry

Specifically refers to the worship or excessive admiration of icons or images, usually in a religious setting.

  • The church was criticized for its iconolatry, as some believe it detracts from true spiritual worship
  • Historians study the role of iconolatry in ancient religions

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient civilizations practiced idolatry, worshipping statues and images.
  • The Bible strictly forbids idolatry, warning against the worship of false gods.
  • In some cultures, idolatry is still a common practice, with people offering sacrifices to idols.
Context #2 | Noun

excessive admiration

Idolatry can also refer to an excessive admiration or devotion towards a person or thing. It is the act of idolizing or excessively praising someone or something, often to the point of obsession.

Synonyms

adulation, idolization, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
idolatry

Usually refers to the extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone, often to the point of viewing them as infallible. It can have a negative connotation, implying excessive or blind devotion.

  • His idolatry of the celebrity was evident in his collection of every magazine and poster she ever appeared in
worship

Typically associated with religious reverence and devotion directed towards a deity. However, in a non-religious sense, it can also describe profound admiration and respect for someone or something.

  • They attended church every Sunday for worship
  • He worships his grandmother for her kindness and wisdom
adulation

Describes excessive flattery or praise, often insincere or exaggerated. It can be used in a negative context to criticize someone's over-the-top admiration.

  • The politician received adulation from his followers that seemed more about winning favor than genuine admiration
idolization

Refers to the act of admiring or loving someone very much, sometimes placing them on a pedestal, which can be unrealistic and could lead to disappointment when flaws are revealed.

  • Her idolization of her mentor made her overlook his occasional mistakes

Examples of usage

  • The idolatry of celebrities is a common phenomenon in today's society.
  • Some fans display idolatry towards their favorite sports stars, considering them almost like gods.
  • The danger of idolatry lies in losing sight of reality and placing unrealistic expectations on idols.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Greek 'eidolon', meaning 'image' or 'phantom', which relates to anything that is adored.
  • In ancient times, many cultures worshipped physical representations of gods, leading to the practice of idol worship.
  • The concept of idolatry was often criticized in religious texts, promoting the idea of worshiping only one God.

Religious Significance

  • Idolatry is often condemned in Abrahamic religions, emphasizing that true worship belongs to a singular deity.
  • In Hinduism, the worship of statues and images is accepted, viewing them as representations of divine beings rather than idols.
  • Buddhism's focus on enlightenment often leads to criticism of material attachments, which can include idolizing people or objects.

Pop Culture

  • The phenomenon of 'celebrity worship' is often referred to as modern idolatry, where fans idolize figures in music, films, and sports.
  • Certain music festivals and fan conventions showcase extreme forms of idolatry, where fans dress as and emulate their favorite characters or idols.
  • The term 'fan culture' often relates to idolatry, with devoted followers creating communities centered around shared admiration for public figures.

Psychology

  • Idolatry can be linked to psychological attachment, where individuals seek validation through their attachment to admired figures.
  • Excessive admiration may lead to unrealistic expectations, where fans might believe their idols' lives are perfect.
  • Studies show that idolizing figures can affect self-esteem, as comparisons with admired individuals can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Literature

  • Idolatry is a common theme in literature, highlighting the dangers of misplaced admiration, such as in works exploring fanaticism or obsession.
  • Classic novels often depict characters who idolize flawed individuals, leading to moral lessons about the risks of blind admiration.
  • In poetry, idols can symbolize unattainable desires, representing the conflict between aspiration and reality.

Origin of 'idolatry'

The word 'idolatry' dates back to the 13th century and is derived from the Old French word 'idolatrie', which in turn comes from the Late Latin 'idolatria'. The concept of idolatry has been a central theme in various religions throughout history, often associated with the worship of false gods or idols. The prohibition of idolatry is found in the Ten Commandments of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,155, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.