Autolatry is a word that refers to the worship of oneself or self-idolatry. It’s pronounced \ˌȯ-tō-ˈla-trē\ and is spelled using the letters A-U-T-O-L-A-T-R-Y. The phonetic transcription IPA shows that the word starts with the ‘aʊ’ vowel sound, followed by a ‘t’ consonant sound, then ‘oʊ’ and ‘l’ consonant sounds, and ends with the ‘ʌ’ vowel sound and a ‘rē’ sound. Autolatry can be seen as narcissistic behavior and is often considered a negative trait.
Autolatry is a noun derived from combining the prefix "auto" (meaning self) with the noun "latry" (meaning worship). It refers to the religious or excessive self-admiration and self-worship of an individual. In autolatry, a person regards themselves as the ultimate source of authority, wisdom, or power, often prioritizing their own thoughts, beliefs, and desires above all else. This term can be interpreted in both a literal and metaphorical sense.
In a literal sense, autolatry pertains to the act of self-worship, where an individual deifies or idolizes themselves, considering their attributes, accomplishments, or appearance to be divine or worthy of veneration. This excessive self-importance can manifest in various forms, such as excessive self-promotion, an inflated sense of superiority, or extreme narcissism.
Metaphorically, autolatry can also refer to a more subtle or symbolic form of self-worship, where a person becomes excessively absorbed in their own beliefs, ideas, or perspective. This can lead to a rigid mindset, unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints, and a lack of empathy towards others. Autolatry can limit personal growth, hinder collaborative efforts, and prevent the development of healthy relationships.
Ultimately, autolatry highlights the potential dangers and negative consequences of excessively valuing oneself, reminding individuals of the importance of humility, openness, and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
The word "autolatry" is derived from combining two Greek roots:
1. "Auto" (αὐτό) means "self" or "one's own" in Greek.
2. "Latry" (λατρεία) means "worship" or "adoration" in Greek.
Therefore, "autolatry" combines these two roots to mean "self-worship" or "the act of worshiping oneself".