zoolatry

American  

[zoh-ol-uh-tree] / zoʊˈɒl ə tri /

noun

1. the worship of or excessive attention to animals.

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zoolatry British  

/ zəʊˈɒlətrɪ /

noun

1. (esp in ancient or primitive religions) the worship of animals as the incarnations of certain deities, symbols of particular qualities or natural forces, etc

2. extreme or excessive devotion to animals, particularly domestic pets

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Other Word Forms

• zoolater noun
• zoolatrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of zoolatry

First recorded in 1810–20; zoo- + -latry

Explanation

You can use the noun zoolatry when you talk about the religious worship of animals. There are many different religions that include zoolatry among their rituals and traditions. Observant Hindus consider cows to be sacred — this is one form of zoolatry. In Turkic mythology, zoolatry appears in the form of revering wolves, and among some shamans, a belief that certain humans are directly descended from wolves. Zoolatry is a rarely used word that combines the Greek root words zoion, "an animal," and latreia, "worship or service paid to the gods."

Example Sentences

Their native mythology was not without traces of zoolatry.

From Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius by Dill, Samuel

The notices of each will explain more fully the religion of the people, and especially that system of zoolatry which so extensively prevailed.

From Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before by Turner, George

De Brosses, very unluckily, confused zoolatry with other superstitions under the head of Fetichism. 

From Custom and Myth by Lang, Andrew

Remnants of the old Semitic zoolatry perpetuated themselves until the end of paganism and even later.

From The Oriental Religions in Roman Paganism by Cumont, Franz

De Brosses, very unluckily, confused zoolatry with other superstitions under the head of Fetichism.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew