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pyrolatry

pyrolatry

9.9
Worship of fire as a god or holy thing
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪrəˌlætri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pirolatría
  • Some ancient cultures practiced pyrolatry, believing fire to be a purifying and divine force.

Examples

  • The practice of pyrolatry has fascinated historians studying early human religions.

  • In the temple, pyrolatry ceremonies were marked by ritual bonfires.

  • Pyrolatry is fascinating.

  • Many people practice pyrolatry.

  • In the temple, pyrolatry ceremonies were marked by ritual bonfires.

  • Some ancient cultures practiced pyrolatry, believing fire to be a purifying and divine force.

  • The practice of pyrolatry has fascinated historians studying early human religions.

Synonyms

fire-worship
vspyrolatry
9.9

To treat fire as a god or holy thing

is a technical or formal term for the same religious practice

Surface Forms

pyrolatry singular
pyrolatries plural

Morphology

pyrolatry = pyro + latry

The word is built from classical combining forms meaning 'fire' and 'worship,' but those parts are not transparent standalone English words for most learners.

Etymology

Pyrolatry comes from Greek parts pyro- 'fire' and -latry 'worship', as in idolatry, so it literally means 'fire-worship'.