Idolator is a word that refers to a person who worships or idolizes someone or something excessively. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /aɪˈdɑːlətər/, where the stressed syllable is "dol" and the vowel sound is a long "a". The "o" in the second syllable is pronounced as "uh", while the final syllable "tor" is pronounced as "ter". The spelling of the word "idolator" reflects its Latin roots, where "idol" means "image" and "-ator" means "one who".
An idolator is a person who worships or excessively admires an idol or an object of devotion. The term "idol" refers to a representation of a deity, a carved or sculpted figure that is worshipped as a god or a symbol of divinity. An idolator is therefore someone who engages in the religious or spiritual practice of idolatry.
In a broader sense, an idolator can also be someone who worships or idolizes a person, an idea, or a concept. This can include celebrities, political leaders, or even material possessions. Such individuals exhibit an exaggerated devotion, often attributing unrealistic or exaggerated qualities to the object of their idolatry.
An idolator is driven by intense admiration and often seeks validation or fulfillment through their devotion. They may invest significant time, energy, and resources into the object of their idolatry, sometimes to the extent of neglecting other aspects of their life. This excessive admiration can result in an unbalanced outlook or skewed priorities.
The term "idolator" carries a somewhat negative connotation, as it implies a lack of critical thinking or a blind adherence to a belief or person. It highlights the potential dangers of idealizing something or someone without considering their faults or limitations. However, it is important to note that the term can also be subjective, as what may appear as idolatry to some may simply represent deep admiration or respect to others.
The word "idolator" comes from the Latin term "idōlatra", which, in turn, originated from the Greek words "eidololatrēs" and "eidōlon".
In ancient Greek, "eidōlon" referred to an image, a phantom, or an idol. It derives from the verb "eídō", which means "to see". The word "latrēs" means worshiper or servant. Therefore, "eidololatrēs" referred to someone who worships or serves idols.
The Latin form "idōlatra" was borrowed from Greek into Latin during the early Christian period and eventually became "idolator" in English.