idol - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

An idol is an object that is worshipped. Some churches have idols, statues or images of saints.

Idols can be very different things, from objects to images, in different religions. These objects of worship are sometimes considered gods. When the people started worshipping a golden calf as their idol, Moses got pretty upset. An idol can also mean an ideal existence or a person who is adored by the public, excessively — like a rock star or a celebrity who causes near-stampedes at every public appearance.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: idol

1	n	a material effigy that is worshipped
2	n	an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: idol

1

n a material effigy that is worshipped

Synonyms:: god, graven image

Types:: golden calf
(Old Testament) an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites to worship; destroyed by Moses; it is now used to refer to anything worshipped undeservedly; joss
a Chinese god worshipped in the form of an idol; Juggernaut
a crude idol of Krishna

Type of:: effigy, image, simulacrum
a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)

n someone who is adored blindly and excessively

Synonyms:: matinee idol

Types:: heartthrob
an object of infatuation

Type of:: lead, principal, star
an actor who plays a principal role

2

n an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept

Synonyms:: beau ideal, paragon, perfection

Types:: gold standard
a paragon of excellence

Type of:: ideal
the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain