noun
idolatry
eye-DAH-luh-tree/aɪˈdɑːlətri/
Worship directed toward an image treated as divine.
The worshippers practice idolatry before the golden calf.
Etymology
Originally worship directed at an image or idol, idolatry extends figuratively to devotion that treats a person or thing with the reverence due a deity.
In context
Our idolatry, that I’m the one who achieves, and makes, and creates my life, is torn down
More examples
- Treating the statue as a god constitutes idolatry in their faith.
- The sacred images serve as reminders, not objects of idolatry.
- The debate centers on whether worship before an image amounts to idolatry.
Forms
idolatry
idolater noun — A person who worships an idol.
idolatrous adjective — Involving worship of images as divine.
Similar words
- idol worship
- Names the same practice in more direct, everyday language.
- worship
- Includes religious devotion not directed toward a divine image.