autolatry
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The worship of yourself: The act or practice of worshipping oneself; excessive self-admiration or self-devotion that takes on a religious or quasi-religious character.
Usage
The word "autolatry" is a formal and somewhat rare term. It is used to describe an extreme, almost religious, form of self-centeredness or narcissism. It implies that a person treats themselves as an idol or deity worthy of worship.
Examples
- His constant need for admiration and complete disregard for others' feelings bordered on autolatry.
- The philosopher warned against the modern culture of autolatry, where self-love becomes a person's primary religion.
- The artist's autolatry was evident in every interview; he could speak of nothing but his own genius.
Advanced Usage
- Psychological/Philosophical Context: In critiques of modern individualism or certain philosophical systems, "autolatry" can describe the ultimate endpoint of egoism.
- The essay argued that radical subjectivity leads not to freedom but to a hollow autolatry.
Variants and Related Words
- Idolatry (n): The worship of idols. While "idolatry" is worship directed outward, "autolatry" is directed inward.
- Autolater (n): A person who practices autolatry (a very rare derivative).
- Self-worship (n): A more common synonym for autolatry.
Synonyms
- Narcissism: Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance.
- Self-worship: The worship of oneself.
- Egotism: The practice of talking and thinking about oneself excessively because of an undue sense of self-importance.
- Self-idolatry: Identical in meaning to autolatry.
Antonyms
- Humility: A modest or low view of one's own importance.
- Altruism: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Devotion: Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause (directed away from oneself).
Noun
- the worship of yourself