iconolatry
Very LowFormal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The worship of images or icons, especially in a religious context.
Excessive or undue veneration of any person, object, or concept, treating it with idolatrous reverence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used primarily in historical, theological, and art-critical contexts. Implies a negative judgment of the practice as idolatrous or superstitious.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a strongly critical or historical/theological connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language, found almost exclusively in academic or historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] practises/condemns/accuses [Object] of iconolatry.Iconolatry [verb] (e.g., flourished, was condemned).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, religious studies, and history to describe historical controversies (e.g., Byzantine Iconoclasm).
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in theology and art criticism.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The iconolatrous practices of the sect were controversial.
- He was accused of an iconolatrous attitude towards the monarchy.
American English
- The scholar wrote about iconolatrous tendencies in modern celebrity culture.
- The movement was condemned as iconolatrous.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The historian explained how accusations of iconolatry led to the destruction of many religious artworks.
- Some critics see the public's fascination with the celebrity as a form of modern iconolatry.
- The Byzantine Iconoclastic Controversy centred on the charge that the veneration of icons had degenerated into pure iconolatry.
- His biography avoids the pitfall of iconolatry, offering a clear-eyed critique of the leader's flaws.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ICON (a sacred image) and the suffix -LATRY (as in 'idolatry' – worship). So, iconolatry is the worship of icons.
Conceptual Metaphor
VENERATION IS WORSHIP (treating a secular object with religious-level devotion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'иконография' (iconography), which is the study or description of images. 'Iconolatry' is 'иконопочитание' or, more critically, 'идолопоклонство через иконы'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'iconology' (which is the study of icons).
- Using it to mean simple admiration rather than worshipful veneration.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'iconolatry' MOST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word used almost exclusively in academic discussions about religion, art, and history.
Idolatry is the broader term for worshipping idols or false gods. Iconolatry is a specific type of idolatry focused on the worship of images or icons, particularly within a religious tradition that uses them.
Yes, metaphorically. It can describe treating a secular figure (like a celebrity) or object with excessive, almost religious reverence, though this is a very literary usage.
Iconoclasm, which is the destruction of religious images or opposition to their veneration.