What does idolatrous mean?
Idolatrous describes devotion that has reached the point of worship, especially devotion to an idol, a person, a belief, or an activity that is treated as sacred or unquestionable. In religious contexts, the word refers specifically to the worship of idols or false gods. Figuratively, it is a strong criticism: calling a fan's enthusiasm for a celebrity or a person's loyalty to a leader "idolatrous" suggests that the enthusiasm is excessive, irrational, or morally compromising. The term is more commonly used in formal, religious, political, and critical writing than in casual conversation. It is especially useful when discussing the relationship between devotion and authority, because it highlights how admiration or obedience can be transformed into something resembling religious worship.
adjectiveCharacterized by worship of idols or by excessive, unquestioning devotion to a person, belief, or pursuit.
- Worshipping idols or treating an object, person, belief, or activity as worthy of religious devotion.
"The ruler's idolatrous cult made him the object of both reverence and suspicion."
"The court criticized the practice as idolatrous and contrary to the teachings of the church."
"Her rejection of the team's celebrity showed that she was not simply indulging in idolatrous fandom."
Calling someone "idolatrous" is among the English language's sharpest ways of saying that devotion has become worship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does idolatrous come from?
The word comes from the Latin idolatra, meaning an idol-worshipper, and ultimately from Greek eidolon, a representation or image of a deity. The suffix -atrous was formed from the same Latin root and is also reflected in the related forms idolatry and idolater. The adjective entered English during the 16th century, initially in religious contexts, and later acquired its broader figurative sense of excessive devotion.
Related word forms
How idolatrous is actually used
The word is strongly evaluative and usually critical. Its religious use is precise, while its figurative use is more flexible but still connotes excessive or irrational devotion.