Idol

An idol is a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered. It can refer to a physical representation of a deity, worshipped as a god, or, more broadly, someone or something that embodies ideals and is seen as a role model. The concept of idolatry extends beyond religious contexts, encompassing the intense admiration and sometimes blind devotion given to celebrities, leaders, or even specific objects, such as material possessions. This admiration often involves placing excessive importance on the idol, potentially overshadowing other aspects of life and values. Idols can serve as sources of inspiration, but excessive idealization can lead to disappointment or disillusionment when the idol inevitably proves to be imperfect.

Idol meaning with examples

• As a child, Maya’s idol was her grandmother, who had overcome numerous hardships with grace and resilience. She looked up to her for her strength and kindness, striving to emulate her values in her own life. Maya often spent hours listening to her stories and trying to understand the wisdom that only came from her experiences. Her grandmother became the embodiment of the principles she aspired to uphold, making it clear who she wanted to be like.
• The ancient civilizations often created statues and carvings which were believed to be idols, representing their gods and goddesses. People would pray to these representations in hope of receiving blessings and guidance. These idols served as central points of devotion and were often placed in places of prominence such as temples and sacred sites. The offerings and rituals were believed to facilitate a connection with the divine and ensure prosperity and protection for the community.
• Many young musicians consider renowned artists as their idols. Their musical style, stage presence, and artistic choices heavily influence their own artistic journey. Young artists may spend hours studying their idols' music videos, trying to replicate their style or to learn about the music. This can motivate them to improve and hone their skills, but also potentially create pressure to reach their idols' level of fame and recognition.
• During the political campaign, the charismatic leader quickly became an idol to many of his supporters. They believed in his vision, his ideals and his message of hope. They saw him as the solution to their problems. His rallies were full and supporters often put their faith in him which unfortunately lead to blind following. Eventually, the man had a scandal come to light which shocked and disappointed his fans, and diminished their trust.