noun

idolatry

eye-DOL-uh-tree

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Idolatry (noun) means the worship of a physical image or object as a god, treated in Judaism, Christianity and Islam as a serious religious offence. Example: “The prophets repeatedly warned the people against idolatry.”

noun

The worship of a physical image or object as a god, treated in Judaism, Christianity and Islam as a serious religious offence.

"The prophets repeatedly warned the people against idolatry."

"Smashing the statues was framed as a purge of idolatry."

Excessive or uncritical admiration for a person or thing, to the point where it resembles worship.

"Her idolatry of her older brother meant she never questioned his advice."

"The book criticises the modern idolatry of productivity."

How to use idolatry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWorshipping something as if it were a god.

When to use it

Formal and largely religious in its literal sense; the figurative sense appears in journalism and criticism.

Memory tip

The adjective is idolatrous and the person is an idolater — note that idolater has no 'r' before the 'a'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

idolisation iconography blasphemy →

Common pairings

fall into idolatry accused of idolatry idolatry of celebrity denounce idolatry

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

The prophets repeatedly warned the people against _____.

Etymology

From Greek eidololatria, combining eidolon 'image, idol' and latreia 'worship', which passed into English through Latin and Old French.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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idol worship image worship paganism heathenism adoration veneration hero worship infatuation

Related words

loving worship crush obsession devotion awe disdain reverence

Rhymes for idolatry

psychiatry

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between idolatry and idolisation?

Idolatry is the religious act of worshipping an idol or false god, and carries a strong note of sin or transgression. Idolisation is the ordinary act of admiring someone far too much, with no religious meaning attached. A congregation can be accused of idolatry; a fan merely idolises a singer.

Is idolatry always about statues?

No. In religious writing it began with carved images, but it was quickly extended to anything given the devotion owed to God, including money, power or status. In everyday English the word is used almost entirely in this figurative way.

How do you pronounce idolatry?

It is said eye-DOL-uh-tree, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable rhymes with 'eye', not with 'id'.

What is the meaning of idolatry?

"idolatry" (noun) means the worship of a physical image or object as a god, treated in Judaism, Christianity and Islam as a serious religious offence.

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