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View synonyms for idolatrize

idolatrize

/ aɪˈdɒləˌtraɪz /

verb

  1. tr a less common word for idolize
  2. intr to indulge in the worship of idols
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • iˈdolaˌtrizer, noun

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More About Idolatrize

What does idolatrize mean?

Idolatrize is a less common word for idolize—to treat someone with extreme admiration and devotion.

This sense of the word is based on the figurative use of the word idol to refer to a person, especially a famous celebrity such as a pop singer, whose fans are extremely devoted to them. The noun idolization refers to this kind of hero worship. A synonym of this sense of idolatrize is the slang verb stan.

The words idolatrize and idolize sometimes imply that such devotion is excessive, likening it to religious worship. This is based on the original sense of the word idol referring to an object or image, such as a statue, that is worshiped as the representation of a deity or god. The word idol can also refer to the deity or god that is being worshiped.

The worship of such an idol is sometimes called idolatry (or idol worship) and the people who do it can be called idolaters. The adjective idolatrous can be used to describe idolaters or their practices. The word idolatrize can also mean to practice idolatry, but it is not commonly used in this way either.

In a religious context, words like idol and idolatrize are typically used in a negative, judgmental way, implying that the god that the idol represents is not actually real and that such worship is wrong or sinful.

Sometimes, idol is used in a metaphorical way to compare something to an object of religious devotion and worship, and idolatrize can also be used in this context, as in She idolatrizes money. This sense of the word is also used in a critical way.

In all cases, it’s much more common to use the word idolize or simply worship.

Example: The trouble with idolatrizing people is that you start to model your behavior on them while ignoring their faults.

Where does idolatrize come from?

The first records of the word idolatrize come from the late 1500s. The word idol comes from the Greek eídōlon, meaning “image,” from eîdos, meaning “shape and form.” In idolatry, the ending -latry means “worship.” The suffix -ize means to “make,” “render,” or “convert into.”

Idolatrizing someone converts them into an idol—the subject of almost religious devotion. For this reason, it is likely that someone using idolatrize is using it in a negative way. Still, it is not commonly used.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to idolatrize?

What are some synonyms for idolatrize?

What are some words that share a root or word element with idolatrize

 

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing idolatrize?

 

 

How is idolatrize used in real life?

Idolatrize is not commonly used. Most people use the synonyms idolize and worship to mean the same thing.

Try using idolatrize!

Is idolatrize used correctly in the following sentence?

“American teenagers idolatrized Elvis Presley as a rock-’n-roll icon in the 1950s.”

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