worship

Worship is the practice of reverence, devotion, and homage directed toward a deity, sacred principle, or esteemed object. It commonly involves praise, adoration, and ritual actions such as prayer, song, liturgy, offerings, or sacraments, often within a designated sacred space. While worship frequently implies a relationship with the divine, some acts are directed toward higher ideals or sacred symbols.

The term derives from Old English weorþscipe, meaning worthiness or the acknowledgment of worth. Throughout history, worship has taken diverse forms, from communal rites in temples and churches to meditation, fasting, and personal devotion in private settings. Some traditions emphasize communal rituals and sacraments, while others stress contemplation or ethical living as expressions of reverence.

In major religious traditions, worship is shaped by belief about the nature of the divine. Monotheistic faiths typically center worship on a single God, while polytheistic systems honor multiple deities with structured calendars and offerings. Some traditions permit the veneration of saints, icons, or relics. In many cultures, worship also encompasses moral conduct, ethical counsel, and service to the community. The word is sometimes used in secular contexts to describe intense admiration or devotion to non-religious subjects.