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Glite Dictionary
zoolatry

zoolatry

9.9
Worshiping animals as gods or holy beings
  • noun
  • /zuˈɑːlətri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : zoolatría
  • Some ancient Egyptian religions practiced zoolatry, revering animals like cats and crocodiles as sacred.

Examples

  • Modern societies rarely engage in zoolatry, but it has been common throughout human history.

  • The anthropologist wrote extensively about zoolatry among indigenous peoples in South America.

  • Some cultures practice zoolatry as part of their religious beliefs.

  • The ancient Egyptians showed great zoolatry towards cats.

  • Many ancient cultures practiced zoolatry by worshipping animals as gods.

  • In ancient Egypt, zoolatry was evident as people revered cats and bull deities.

  • The concept of zoolatry can be seen in rituals where animals are considered sacred.

Synonyms

animal-worship
vszoolatry
9.2

Treating animals as sacred beings in religion

focuses specifically on treating creatures as deities rather than general reverence

How Devout

zoolatry
  • Specialized
9.9
veneration
  • Formal
4 7.8
respect
∞ 1.0
admiration
106 1.8

Surface Forms

zoolatry singular
zoolatries plural

Morphology

zoolatry = zoo (semi-transparent) = zoo + latry

The element 'zoo' clearly refers to animals, but '-latry' is an uncommon combining form meaning 'worship' and may be unfamiliar to many learners, so the relation is only partly guessable.

Etymology

The word zoolatry comes from Greek parts zoo- meaning 'animal' and -latry meaning 'worship', like in zoo and idolatry. So zoolatry means the worship or high respect of animals.