idolatrous

Idolatrous is an adjective describing something related to idolatry or characterized by the worship of idols. It can also describe excessive or misplaced devotion to a person, a culture, a commodity, or an idea.

The term derives from idolatry, a concept in many religious traditions referring to the worship of idols or images. The English form comes from Medieval Latin idololatria, from Greek eidololatreia, with the -ous suffix forming an adjective meaning “characterized by.”

In religious contexts, idolatry is a core concern in several traditions. In Judaism and Islam, idolatry is generally prohibited and regarded as a fundamental violation of the worship of the one God. In Christianity, attitudes toward images and their worship have varied: some branches have rejected image worship as idolatrous, while others distinguish between reverence or veneration of sacred images and the worship due to God alone.

Beyond theology, the term idolatrous is frequently used metaphorically to criticize devotion that seems out of proportion. It may describe the excessive admiration of celebrities, brands, or political figures, or a culture that treats a non-transferable thing with sacred importance.

Related terms include idol, idolater, and idolatry. The word remains a descriptive label in scholarly discussions of religion and in everyday language when signaling a judgment about excessive devotion or perceived worship-like behavior.