idolatry
gb/aɪdˈɑlətɹi/ us/aɪdˈɑlətɹi/
C1
English
~ 9600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
action
1
worship of images or idols
The act of praying to or honoring a statue, picture, or other object as if it were a god, especially when this is seen as wrong in a religion.
Usage pattern:
idolatry of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse “idolatry” with “idol” and try to use it as a countable noun (e.g., *many idolatrys*). “Idolatry” is an uncountable noun and usually refers to the practice in general, not to separate items.
Synonyms
idol worship (More neutral and descriptive; often used in explanations rather than in strong religious criticism.)
|
false worship (Emphasizes that the worship is considered wrong from a particular religious viewpoint.)
Antonyms
monotheism (Focuses on the worship of a single, invisible God, which typically rejects idolatry.)
Collocations
practice idolatry
|condemn idolatry
|accuse [someone] of idolatry
|pagan idolatry
|religious idolatry
|reject idolatry
Themes
religion
|culture
|values
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The prophet spoke fiercely against the idolatry that had spread through the kingdom.
- Early Christian writers often contrasted their faith with what they called pagan idolatry.
- In this tradition, the making of sacred images is allowed, but their idolatry is strictly forbidden.
- The text warns that idolatry is not only the worship of statues, but also of any created thing treated as a god.
- They destroyed the shrine, claiming it was a place of idolatry rather than true worship.
Learner examples
- The teacher explained that idolatry means worshipping a statue as a god.
- Some religions strictly ban idolatry and do not use images in their worship.
- In the story, the leader tells the people to give up idolatry and follow one god.
Noun
formal
state
2
excessive admiration or devotion
Very strong and uncritical love or respect for a person, thing, or idea, almost like worshipping a god.
Usage pattern:
idolatry of [something/someone]
Synonyms
idolization (Close in meaning but slightly less formal; focuses on treating someone like an idol or hero.)
|
worship (Often used figuratively in everyday speech; less formal and can be weaker than “idolatry.”}],)
Collocations
celebrity idolatry
|idolatry of wealth
|idolatry of success
|modern idolatry
|cultural idolatry
|political idolatry
Themes
emotions
|society
|values
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Grammar
Dictionary form
idolatry
IPA
GB/aɪdˈɑlətɹi/
US/aɪdˈɑlətɹi/
Syllables & stress
id - ol - atry (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ol)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: idolatry
- Plural: idolatries, idolatry
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.