idolâtrer

to idolize, to worship

verb ee-doh-lah-TREH Rare

Origin: From idole 'idol' + -âtrer (from Greek latreia 'worship')

Usage Note

Idolâtrer means to venerate excessively — it can apply to a person (elle idolâtre son père) or to an object or idea. The noun idolâtrie means idolatry, the abstract practice of excessive worship, used both in religious contexts and figuratively. The person who idolizes is an idolâtre. The circumflex on â reflects the historical Greek latr- root.

Examples

"Il idolâtrait cette chanteuse depuis son enfance."

Natural Translation

He had idolized that singer since his childhood.

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