First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
idol
noun \ˈī-dəl\
: a greatly loved or admired person
: a picture or object that is worshipped as a god
Full Definition of IDOL
1
: a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god
3
: a form or appearance visible but without substance <an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol — P. B. Shelley>
4
: an object of extreme devotion <a movie idol>; also : ideal 2
5
: a false conception : fallacy
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Origin of IDOL
Middle English, from Anglo-French idle, from Late Latin idolum, from Greek eidōlon image, idol; akin to Greek eidos form — more at idyll
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
IDOL Defined for Kids
idol
noun \ˈī-dəl\
Definition of IDOL for Kids
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a much loved or admired person or thing <a movie idol>
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