idolatry; idol worship
Refers to the worship of idols or images, especially in a religious context. Often used in discussions of monotheistic prohibitions or cultural criticism.
The Old Testament forbids idolatry.
He expressed critical views on modern-day idol worship.
Nearly synonymous; 偶像崇拝 is also common and interchangeable in most contexts, though 礼拝 emphasizes the act of worship while 崇拝 emphasizes adoration.
Compound of 偶像 (idol, image) and 礼拝 (worship, religious service). The term is a direct translation of the Western concept of idolatry, likely coined in the Meiji period for theological discourse.