I. ˈwər-shəp also ˈwȯr- noun
Etymology: Middle English worshipe worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being, from Old English weorthscipe worthiness, respect, from weorth worthy, worth + -scipe -ship
Date: before 12th century
1. chiefly British : a person of importance — used as a title for various officials (as magistrates and some mayors)
2. : reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power ; also : an act of expressing such reverence
3. : a form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
4. : extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
worship of the dollar
II. verb
( -shipped also -shiped ; -ship·ping also -ship·ing )
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power
2. : to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion
a celebrity worshipped by her fans
intransitive verb
: to perform or take part in worship or an act of worship
Synonyms: see revere
• wor·ship·per or wor·ship·er noun