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idolatry

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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

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

Recent Examples of idolatry from the Web

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

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

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noun

Definition of idolatry for English Language Learners

  • : the worship of a picture or object as a god

Learn More about idolatry

  1. 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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Examples: idolatry in a Sentence