ˈīd ə l noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English idel, idol, from Old French idele, idle, idole, from Late Latin idolum, from Greek eidōlon phantom, image, image of a god; akin to Greek eidos shape, form — more at wise
1.
a. : an image of a divinity : a representation or symbol of a deity or any other being or thing made or used as an object of worship ; broadly : a false god : a heathen deity
b. : an image (as of a saint) used in Christian worship
2.
a. obsolete : an appearance, aspect, or likeness of something
b. obsolete : effigy , statue
c. obsolete : pretender , impostor
3. : a form or appearance visible but without substance : an incorporeal image or phantom
sense perception is explained, after the manner of Democritus, by idols or images or thin filmlike forms, which emanate from the objects around us — Frank Thilly
4. : something or someone on which the affections are strongly and often excessively set : an object of passionate devotion : a person or thing greatly loved or adored
5. : a false notion or conception : fallacy , idolum 2