necrolatry

9.9

A religious practice of honoring dead people as ancestors

noun
/ˈnɛkroʊˌlætri/

Specialized

: necrolatría

The ancient civilization practiced necrolatry in elaborate rites to honor their ancestors.

Examples

Many cultures practice necrolatry as a way to honor their ancestors.
The ancient Egyptians were known for their necrolatry rituals.
In her research, she found evidence of necrolatry among several indigenous tribes.
Scholars debate whether the rituals amounted to true necrolatry or merely symbolic respect for the departed.
The ancient civilization practiced necrolatry in elaborate rites to honor their ancestors.
In her research, she found evidence of necrolatry among several indigenous tribes.
The ancient Egyptians were known for their necrolatry rituals.

Synonyms

veneration

vsnecrolatry

Formal

4 7.8

Strong respect for someone or something, often shown in a religious way

is ritual worship of the dead with a superstitious focus

ancestor worship

vsnecrolatry

1 7.0

A practice of honoring dead family members with gifts and prayers, believing their spirits watch over the living

focuses on ritual worship of the dead with superstitious belief

Surface Forms

necrolatry singular

necrolatries plural

Morphology

necrolatry = necro + latry

The combining form 'necro-' (dead) is somewhat recognizable from other learned words, but the element 'latry' (worship) is uncommon for learners, so the full meaning is only partly derivable.

Etymology

The word necrolatry comes from Greek parts necro- meaning 'dead' and -latry meaning 'worship', the same ending seen in idolatry. So necrolatry means 'worship of the dead'.