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Dictionary Entry: Idolater

Idolater

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/

Definitions

  • 1. A person who worships idols or false gods.
  • 2. A person who has excessive or blind admiration for someone or something.

Usage Examples

  • "The ancient civilizations often had idolaters who worshipped statues of gods."
  • "She was considered an idolater of celebrity culture, always obsessed with famous personalities."
  • "The priests condemned idolaters for their false worship of the golden statue."

Etymology

From the Late Latin "idolatra," meaning "one who worships idols," from Greek "eidolon" meaning "image" or "idol," and the suffix "-ter," meaning "one who." The word first appeared in the English language in the 14th century to describe someone who worships idols or false deities.

Synonyms

  • Worshiper
  • Fanatic
  • Admirer
  • Devotee
  • Zealot

Antonyms

  • Atheist
  • Skeptic
  • Nonbeliever
  • Disbeliever

Translations

LanguageTranslationPronunciation
SpanishIdólatra/iˈðolatra/
FrenchIdolâtre/idɔlɑtʁ/
GermanIdolatrer/ɪdoˈlaːtʁɐ/
RussianИдолопоклонник/idolopoklonnʲɪk/
Hindiमूर्ति पूजा करने वाला/mūrti pūjā karne vālā/
Tamilபூஜை விரும்புபவர்/pūjai viṟumpubavar/
Teluguప్రతిమ పూజకుడు/prathima pūjakudā/
Bengaliমূর্তিপূজক/murtipujak/
Gujaratiમૂર્તિપૂજક/mūrtī pūjak/
Marathiमूर्तिपूजक/mūrtī pūjak/
Kannadaಮೂರ್ತಿಪೂಜಕ/mūrtī pūjaka/
Malayalamപ്രതിമാപൂജകൻ/prathimāpūjakan/
Punjabiਮੂਰਤੀ ਪੂਜਕ/mūrti pūjak/
Chinese偶像崇拜者/ǒu xiàng chóng bài zhě/
Japanese偶像崇拝者/gūzō sūhai-sha/
Korean우상 숭배자/usang sungbaeja/
Arabicمعبود/maʕbūd/
PortugueseIdólatra/iˈdɔlatɾɐ/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • India (South): /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
  • US: /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/
  • UK: /ˈaɪ.də.lə.tər/

Historical Usage

The word "idolater" has been used since the Middle Ages to describe individuals who worship idols or false gods, particularly in the context of religious doctrine. It was often used by early Christian and Jewish writers to refer to those who practiced polytheism. Over time, the term expanded to include not just religious idolaters but also people who excessively admired or worshipped secular figures, such as celebrities or political leaders.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the term "idolater" can carry varying connotations. In some religious traditions, idolaters are seen as heretics, while in others, the act of idol worship is a deeply rooted cultural or spiritual practice. In modern secular contexts, calling someone an idolater may imply that they have an excessive and often uncritical admiration for a person or thing. The term has shifted somewhat from strictly religious meanings to include secular "worship," particularly in the world of celebrity culture.

More Information

The word "idolater" comes from the root "idol," which refers to a representation or image of a deity, and "-ter," meaning "one who." It originally described someone who worshipped physical idols or false gods. In historical and religious contexts, the term was used to refer to individuals who did not follow the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. However, as the concept of idol worship has expanded, so too has the use of the word "idolater," which can now also refer to individuals who are excessively devoted to celebrities, pop culture, or even ideas. In modern times, the idea of "idolization" often focuses on secular figures, and the term can sometimes be used humorously or critically in popular culture.

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