idolatry

noun

idol·​a·​try ī-ˈdä-lə-trē 

plural idolatries

1

: the worship of a physical object as a god

2

: immoderate attachment or devotion to something

Synonyms

• worship
• adoration
• worshiping
• worshipping
• deification

Examples of idolatry in a Sentence

fans of the team are well known for their idolatry of the quarterback

Recent Examples on the Web

Propping up these anti-artists promotes a kind of false idolatry; undiscerning listeners read their banal backstories and watch their flashy videos and soon become active devotees. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 2 Oct. 2025

These all may be interpreted as acts of idolatry. —Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025

The horror movie, starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, explores the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Majors' painfully awkward gym rat goes down a spectacularly bad path of protein shakes, steroids, rage issues, misplaced idolatry and macho posedowns in an effort to craft the perfect physique. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing idolatry

• self-idolatry

Kids Definition

idolatry

noun

idol·​a·​try ī-ˈdäl-ə-trē 

plural idolatries

1

: the worship of an idol as a god

2

: very great attachment or devotion to something