zoolatry

[zoh-ol-uh-tree]

noun

1. the worship of or excessive attention to animals.

zoolatry

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• zoolater noun
• zoolatrous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoolatry¹

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

Example Sentences

Their native mythology was not without traces of zoolatry.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg