Idol
/ˈaɪ.dəl/noun
A representation or symbol of an object of worship.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, idols were often believed to possess the actual spirit of the deity they represented, making them powerful objects of worship and ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*eid-
“to see, to know, to perceive, to have in mind.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
εἴδωλον (eidolon)
“a phantom, image, or form; a representation of a being or thing.”
Late Latin
Latin
idolum
“an image or representation, particularly of a deity.”
Old French
Old French
idole
“an image, statue, or representation of a god.”
Middle English
Middle English
idol
“an image or representation, often one that is worshipped.”
Modern English
English
idol
“a figure or object that is worshipped, revered, or adored.”