Memuja

Memuja is an Indonesian verb meaning to worship, to revere, or to pay homage to a deity, sacred figure, or object. The term can also be used figuratively to denote strong admiration, but it is most commonly associated with religious or ritual contexts, such as honoring gods, spirits, ancestors, or sacred sites.

Etymology and grammar: Memuja is formed from the noun puja (worship) with the Indonesian prefix me- and assimilation that yields memuja. It is a transitive verb and takes a direct object, for example memuja dewa, memuja arwah, memuja leluhur. Indonesian verbs do not change for tense; time reference is provided by context or time adverbs.

Usage and nuance: Memuja emphasizes devotion and ritual reverence rather than casual praise. It appears in descriptions of religious ceremonies, adat (traditional) practices, and devotional speech. In contemporary or secular contexts, speakers may use penghormatan or mengidolakan for praise or admiration, with memuja carrying a stronger connotation of ritual or sacred worship.

Related terms: pemuja (worshiper), pemujaan (worship, adoration), puja (worship). These forms share a common semantic field related to reverence and ritual devotion.

See also: puja, pemujaan.

Examples: Mereka memuja dewa matahari dalam upacara adat. Beberapa kelompok memuja leluhur secara berkala.