symbolatry

/,simbə'lɔlətri/ Cách viết khác : (symbololatry) /sim'bɔlətri/
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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The worship of symbols: "Symbolatry" refers to the religious or reverential practice of worshipping symbols, treating them as sacred objects or as embodiments of the divine.
Usage
  • "Symbolatry" is a formal and somewhat rare term, typically used in academic discussions of religion, anthropology, or cultural studies to describe practices where symbolic objects are the focus of veneration.
  • It is a compound noun formed from "symbol" and the suffix "-latry" (meaning worship). It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The ancient cult was accused of symbolatry, as they prayed to carved icons rather than to an invisible god.
    • Some scholars argue that certain modern political movements border on symbolatry, elevating flags and emblems to objects of near-religious devotion.
Advanced Usage
  • The term can be used metaphorically in critical discourse to describe an excessive or irrational devotion to an idea or object represented by a symbol.
    • The critic denounced the brand's marketing as a form of commercial symbolatry, where the logo itself became the object of desire.
Variants and Related Words
  • Symbololatry (n): An alternative, less common spelling with the same meaning.
  • Idolatry (n): The worship of idols or images, a more common and closely related concept. While "idolatry" often implies worship of a physical image believed to contain a spirit, "symbolatry" can extend to the veneration of symbols representing abstract ideas.
  • Iconolatry (n): The worship of icons or sacred images, especially in the context of Eastern Christianity.
Synonyms
  • Icon worship: Veneration of images or icons.
  • Fetishism (in anthropological/religious contexts): The attribution of sacred or magical power to an object.
Antonyms
  • Aniconism: The opposition to the use of icons or visual symbols in religious worship.
  • Iconoclasm: The rejection, destruction, or breaking of religious icons and symbols.
Noun
  1. the worship of symbols

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