Idolatrize vs. Idolize — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 21, 2024
Idolatrize means to worship idols or physical objects as gods, while idolize means to admire or revere someone or something greatly, often excessively.
Difference Between Idolatrize and Idolize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Idolatrize refers to the act of worshiping idols, physical objects, or images as deities. This term has a strong religious connotation and often carries a negative implication, particularly within monotheistic religions that forbid such practices. Idolize, on the other hand, means to admire or revere someone or something to an extreme degree. This term is more commonly used in a secular context and can apply to celebrities, public figures, or even personal heroes.
The concept of idolatrizing is rooted in ancient religious practices where statues or symbols were considered embodiments of gods. Such practices are often criticized in texts that advocate for monotheism, where worship is reserved for a single deity. Idolizing, meanwhile, is more about emotional or personal admiration, and although it can be intense, it lacks the formal religious structure of idolatrizing.
Idolatrizing can lead to conflicts in societies where differing religious beliefs exist, particularly between polytheistic and monotheistic traditions. Idolizing, while potentially leading to unhealthy obsession, is generally seen as a personal behavior rather than a societal issue. Both terms involve placing high value on something, but the context and implications differ significantly.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Worship idols or physical objects as gods
Admire or revere someone or something greatly
Context
Primarily religious
Mostly secular
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Connotation
Often negative
Can be positive or negative
Practices Involved
Rituals, ceremonies
Emotional admiration, sometimes obsession
Use in Monotheism
Considered forbidden or sinful
Not typically relevant
Compare with Definitions
Idolatrize
To venerate idols as part of religious practice.
Idolatrizing was common in the temple, where numerous gods were honored.
Idolize
To have an excessive admiration for someone or something.
The students idolize their teacher, seeing him as a role model.
Idolatrize
To engage in the practice of idol worship.
The villagers were accused of idolatrizing the golden calf.
Idolize
To admire or revere greatly.
Many young athletes idolize professional sports stars.
Idolatrize
To attribute divine qualities to an object.
They idolatrize the relic, believing it has miraculous powers.
Idolize
To regard with extreme admiration or devotion.
She idolizes her older brother for his achievements.
Idolatrize
To worship physical objects or idols as gods.
Some ancient cultures would idolatrize statues of their deities.
Idolize
To love or adore excessively.
He idolizes his mentor, hanging on every word of advice.
Idolatrize
To perform religious rituals around idols.
Idolatrizing included offerings and prayers to the carved images.
Idolize
To hold someone in high esteem.
Fans idolize the singer, following her every move.
Idolatrize
(transitive) To make an idol of; to idolize.
Idolize
To regard with great or uncritical admiration or devotion.
Idolatrize
(intransitive) To worship idols; to pay idolatrous worship.
Idolize
To make an idol of, or to worship as an idol.
Idolatrize
To worship idols; to pay idolatrous worship.
Idolize
To adore excessively; to revere immoderately.
Idolatrize
To make in idol of; to idolize.
Idolize
To make an idol of; to pay idolatrous worship to; as, to idolize the sacred bull in Egypt.
Idolize
To love to excess; to love or reverence to adoration; as, to idolize gold, children, a hero.
Idolize
To practice idolatry.
To idolize after the manner of Egypt.
Idolize
Love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol;
Many teenagers idolized the Beatles
Common Curiosities
Is idolatrizing considered negative?
In many religious contexts, idolatrizing is considered negative or forbidden.
Is idolizing always bad?
Idolizing can be positive when it inspires, but it can become negative if it leads to unhealthy obsession.
What does idolize mean?
Idolize means to admire or revere someone or something greatly.
Does idolatrize involve religious practices?
Yes, idolatrize involves rituals and ceremonies centered around worshiping idols.
What are examples of idolatrize in history?
Ancient cultures that worshiped statues and images of gods practiced idolatrizing.
Is idolatrize common in modern religions?
Idolatrize is less common in monotheistic religions but still exists in some polytheistic traditions.
Can you idolize an object?
Yes, people can idolize objects, though it usually refers to admiration rather than worship.
What does idolatrize mean?
Idolatrize means to worship idols or physical objects as gods.
What are examples of idolizing someone?
Fans idolizing a movie star or a child idolizing their parent are common examples.
Can idolize be used in religious contexts?
Idolize is generally used in secular contexts, though it can sometimes be used metaphorically in religious settings.
Does idolizing have a formal structure?
No, idolizing does not involve formal rituals; it is more about personal admiration.
Is idolatrize specific to any religion?
Idolatrize can be found in various polytheistic religions but is condemned in monotheistic ones like Christianity and Islam.
Are there cultural differences in idolizing?
Yes, the extent and manner of idolizing can vary widely between cultures.
How can idolizing affect relationships?
Idolizing can strain relationships if it leads to neglect of real connections in favor of an idealized figure.
Can idolizing lead to problems?
Yes, idolizing can lead to unrealistic expectations or unhealthy behaviors.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
