Definition of idol

The word "idol" has a complex and ancient history. The term originates from the Greek word "eídōlon" (εἴδωλον), which refers to a ghostly or spectral image. This word is derived from "eídō" (εἴδω), meaning "to see" or "to perceive," and "ólon" (ὄλον), meaning "image" or "form." In religious contexts, an idol typically refers to a physical object that is worshipped as a substitute for the ultimate deity. This concept was first mentioned in the biblical books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, which condemned the worship of idols and images. The word "idol" eventually entered Latin as "idolum," and from there, it was borrowed into Middle English as "idol." Throughout history, the term "idol" has been used to describe not only physical objects of worship but also abstract concepts, such as false ideologies or false gods. Today, the word "idol" is used in a broader sense to describe anything that is excessively revered or admired, whether a person, an object, or an idea.