idolatrousness
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of being idolatrous; excessive or blind devotion, admiration, or worship of a person, object, or idea, often to the point of treating it as an idol.
Usage Examples
- (Excessive devotion to a person.)
- (Blind admiration for a public figure.)
- (Worship of a symbol or object.)
Advanced Usage
"idolatrousness of the self": excessive self-admiration or self-worship.
- His memoir revealed a troubling idolatrousness of the self, as he described his own achievements with reverent awe. (Self-obsession.)
"idolatrousness in art": the tendency to treat a particular artist or style as infallible or sacred.
- The critic criticized the idolatrousness in the art world, where certain painters are treated as untouchable geniuses. (Blind reverence in artistic circles.)
Variants and Related Words
Idolatrous (adj): relating to or characterized by idolatry; worshipping idols.
- The idolatrous rituals of the ancient tribe involved statues of their gods. (Relating to idol worship.)
Idolatry (n): the worship of idols; extreme admiration or love for someone or something.
- The fan’s idolatry of the singer was evident in his constant attendance at concerts. (Extreme devotion.)
Synonyms
- Worshipfulness: the quality of being inclined to worship.
- Adulation: excessive flattery or admiration.
- Deification: the act of treating someone or something as a god.
Related Idioms
To make an idol of someone/something: to treat someone or something with excessive admiration.
- Parents should not make an idol of their child’s achievements, as it can create unhealthy pressure. (To worship excessively.)
To bow down to the golden calf: to worship material wealth or a false idol.
- The company’s idolatrousness of profits led them to ignore ethical practices, like bowing down to the golden calf. (Worship of money.)