idol

An idol is a person or object that is revered, admired, or worshiped. The term originates from the Latin idolum, from Greek eidolon, meaning an image or likeness. In religious contexts, an idol often refers to a tangible representation of a deity used in worship, though the term can also denote any object of devotion. In secular usage, idol may describe a person who is extremely admired or emulated, such as a cultural or sports figure.

Religious usage has historically distinguished between reverence for sacred symbols and the worship of deities themselves. In many traditions, especially within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, idolatry denotes worship directed toward created images rather than the one god. Interpretations vary, with some faiths emphasizing the use of symbolic art while others condemn it as a form of graven image. The concept has influenced art, law, and social norms throughout history.

In contemporary popular culture, idol often refers to a performer who is highly celebrated or who is groomed to achieve fame. In East Asia, for example, “idol” describes young entertainers trained by agencies in singing, dancing, and media skills and marketed as multi-faceted figures. Internationally, the term has broadened to include recipients of competitive talent shows such as American Idol and related franchises, which curate public exposure and commercial opportunities for contestants.

Different senses of the word reflect the range between reverence, representation, and admiration, and the boundaries between veneration and adulation vary by culture and context.