/ ˈwɜːʃɪp; NAmE ˈwɜːrʃɪp/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U ] the practice of showing respect for God or a god, by saying prayers, singing with others, etc.; a ceremony for this :
an act / a place of worship
ancestor worship
morning worship (= a church service in the morning)
2.
[ U ] a strong feeling of love and respect for sb/sth
SYN adoration
—see also hero worship
3.
His, Your, etc. Worship [ C ] ( BrE , formal ) a polite way of addressing or referring to a magistrate or mayor
■ verb ( -pp- , NAmE also -p- )
1.
[ vn ] to show respect for God or a god, especially by saying prayers, singing, etc. with other people in a religious building
2.
[ v ] to go to a service in a religious building :
We worship at St Mary's.
He worshipped at the local mosque.
3.
[ vn ] to love and admire sb very much, especially so much that you cannot see their faults :
She worships her children.
He worshipped her from afar (= he loved her but did not tell her his feelings) .
She worships the ground he walks on .
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English weorthscipe worthiness, acknowledgement of worth (see worth , -ship ).