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Glite Dictionary
idolatrous

idolatrous

1 8.9
Giving extreme love or worship to someone treated like a god
  • adjective
  • /aɪˈdɑːlətrəs/
translation icon : idólatra
  • Some fans have an idolatrous devotion to their favorite celebrities, often following their every move.

And so he's speaking in a very idolatrous way that I find commonplace in America.

Examples

  • So the blessed Founders wrote the document that people who favor secession generally revere in a near-idolatrous manner.

    Blog text (27)

  • The demand for so much loyalty to family seemed idolatrous to him.

    Academic text (2002)

  • In this cult of grief for our dead, we pay an idolatrous worship to the things that they loved.

    Academic text (1999)

  • And so he's speaking in a very idolatrous way that I find commonplace in America.

    Megyn Kelly

  • Statism is predicated on an idolatrous worship of expertise that doesn't exist.

    Blog text (26)

  • Hence, the Taliban accuse Egypt of adopting Western, idolatrous family laws on divorce when they should stick to true Islam.

    Blog text (22)

  • By orienting us toward a "civilization of love," theology can offer a compelling critique of idolatrous structures that enslave and can issue a persuasive call to conversion of heart as central to authentic human freedom.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The idolatrous relationship between the fans and the pop star made it hard for them to see her as a real person.

  • In certain cultures, people may display idolatrous behavior towards symbols or objects they believe bring them luck.

Synonyms

fanatical
vsidolatrous
30 6.8

Very strong support for an idea or cause without question

is intense worshipful adoration that can apply to objects or images
fetishistic
vsidolatrous
  • Specialized
1 8.9

Showing an extreme and unhealthy liking for one thing

is broad excessive worship or adoration not limited to a single object
pietist
vsidolatrous
9.1

Showing strong religious devotion that seems too strict and makes others feel judged

is worshipful adoration that can be directed at idols or any adored thing
pietistic
vsidolatrous
9.9

Pretending to be very religious to seem morally better than others

is excessive adoration resembling literal worship rather than simple piety
pietistical
vsidolatrous
9.9

Showing false religious feeling to seem very religious

is excess devotion that can be directed toward images or adored objects

Antonyms

disrespectful
121 3.0

Not polite to someone, for example interrupting them

critical
121 5.2

Showing careful judgment of books, films, or art

How Idolized

idolatrous
1 8.9
adoring
4 3.1
devoted
80 3.4

Surface Forms

idolatrous positive

Morphology

idolatrous = idolatry (transparent) = idol + ous

Formed by standard adjectival suffix '-ous' on 'idolatry'; the meaning 'relating to or showing idolatry' follows directly.

Etymology

Idolatrous comes from idol 'image' and the Greek root latreia 'worship', and like idolize, it means giving too much love or worship to an image or to anything treated as an idol.