idolatry

noun idol·a·try \ ī-ˈdä-lə-trē \

Definition of idolatry

plural idolatries

1 :the worship of a physical object as a god

2 :immoderate attachment or devotion to something

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Examples of idolatry in a Sentence

her idolatry of her favorite rock star is one step removed from stalking

Recent Examples of idolatry from the Web

But with his jazz-hands dance moves, gym-class cluelessness, fey mannerisms, and full-out idolatry of Diana Ross, Trevor's got FRESH VICTIM written all over him.

— tony adler, Chicago Reader, "Trevor: The Musical—the best After School Special you'll ever see," 23 Aug. 2017
Even despite an enormity of fame and global idolatry almost incomprehensible in a modern, Twitter-riddled world, Elvis remained unceasingly authentic.

— kostya kennedy, Time, "He’ll Always Be Elvis: Remembering the 'King' 40 Years On," 22 July 2017
In recent years, North Korean propaganda meant for foreign audiences has scaled back some of its idolatry.

— hannah beech, The New Yorker, "North Korea’s Consistently Apocalyptic Propagandists," 14 May 2017
The extremist group believes antiquities promote idolatry, though it is also believed to sell artifacts on the black market to fund its operations.

— Washington Post, "Iraqi forces say they’ve seized Hatra antiquities site," 26 Apr. 2017
Simmons, in New York to promote this ultimate symbol of idolatry, suggests buying one now and setting it up as beer cooler until the time comes.

— wired staff, WIRED, "Kiss of Death," 19 June 2001

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idolatry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of idolatry

Middle English ydolatrie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin idolatria, alteration of Late Latin idololatria, from Greek eidōlolatreia, from eidōlon idol + -latreia -latry

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First Known Use: 13th century

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idolatry Synonyms

Synonyms

adulation, deification, hero worship, worship, idolization, worshipping (also worshiping)

Related Words

adoration, deference, glorification, reverence, veneration; idealization, romanticization; affection, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love; appreciation, esteem, regard, respect; approval

Near Antonyms

condemnation, disapproval, disfavor, dislike, dismissal, disregard, hatred, loathing, scorn

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

IDOLATRY Defined for English Language Learners

idolatry

noun

Definition of idolatry for English Language Learners

: the worship of a picture or object as a god

Learn More about idolatry

See words that rhyme with idolatry Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for idolatry Spanish Central: Translation of idolatry Nglish: Translation of idolatry for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of idolatry for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idolatry

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idolatry

Definition of idolatry

Examples of idolatry in a Sentence

Recent Examples of idolatry from the Web

Origin and Etymology of idolatry

idolatry Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

IDOLATRY Defined for English Language Learners

idolatry

Definition of idolatry for English Language Learners

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