idol

idol

noun \ˈī-d^əl\

Definition of IDOL

1

: a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god

2

a : a likeness of something b obsolete : pretender, impostor

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

Examples of IDOL

1. an actor who is the idol of millions
2. <a movie idol whose reprehensible offscreen behavior caused him to experience a spectacular fall from grace>

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to IDOL

Synonyms: god, hero, icon (also ikon)

Related Words: beau ideal, classic, exemplar, ideal, model, nonpareil, paragon

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Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with IDOL

bridal, bridle, idle, idyll, seidel, sidle, tidal