What does "worship" mean?
The devotion accorded to a deity or to a sacred object.
Worship
/ˈwɜː.ʃɪp/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The devotion accorded to a deity or to a sacred object.
- Grammar: worship is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adoration, glory, accord respect to, admiration.
- Useful contrasts: contempt, despise, disdain.
- Usage evidence: The Greeks used to worship several gods.
How to use "worship"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "worship" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "worship" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "worship" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The devotion accorded to a deity or to a sacred object. uncountable, usually
"Polytheistic theology and worship had to go underground."
- 2 A form of address of a mayor and other dignitaries British
- 3 the activity of worshipping wordnet
- 4 The adoration (or latria) owed to God alone, as greater than the hyperveneration / hyper-veneration (or hyperdulia) that is given to Saint Mary only and the veneration (or dulia) accorded to all other Roman Catholic saints. especially, uncountable, usually
- 5 A form of address of a mayor. Canada, archaic
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 a feeling of profound love and admiration wordnet
- 7 The religious ceremonies that express this devotion. uncountable, usually
"The worſhip of God is an eminent part of Religion; and Prayer, which is often in Scripture expreſſed by ſeeking God, and calling upon his Name, is a chief part of Religious Worſhip."
- 8 Voluntary, utter submission; voluntary, utter deference. broadly, uncountable, usually
- 9 Ardent love. also, broadly, uncountable, usually
- 10 An object of worship. uncountable, usually
"In attitude and aspect formed to be / At once the artist's worship and despair!"
- 11 Used as a title or term of address for various officials, including magistrates. British, uncountable, usually
"“I beg your worship’s pardon,” said Mr. Bumble, incredulous of his having heard aright,—“did your worship speak to me?”"
- 12 Honour; respect; civil deference. obsolete, uncountable, usually
"And many ſtrange aduentures to bee fond, / Of which great worth and worſhip may be wonne; […]"
- 13 The condition of being worthy; honour, distinction. obsolete, uncountable, usually
"I will be on horsbak said the knyght / thenne was Arthur wrothe and dressid his sheld toward hym with his swerd drawen / whan the knyght sawe that / he a lyghte / for hym thought no worship to haue a knyght at suche auaille he to be on horsbak and he on foot and so he alyght & dressid his sheld vnto Arthur"
- 14 The fact of an artist's music heavily drawing influence from some other artist's work in a way that appears too obvious or unapologetic; a piece of music that does that. slang, uncountable, usually
"In that time, McLachlan’s music has developed from adolescent Kate Bush worship to mature roots-driven folk (like the hits “Building a Mystery” and “Sweet Surrender”) and ballads (“Witness,” “I Love You”) that border on hymnody."
Verb
- 1 To reverence (a deity, etc.) with supreme respect and veneration; to perform religious exercises in honour of. transitive
"[…] well ſaid yfaith neighbour Verges, God's a good man, and two men ride of a horſe, one muſt ride behinde, an honeſt ſoule yfaith ſir, by my troth he is, as euer broke bread, but God is to bee worſhipt, all men are not alike, alas good neighbour."
- 2 love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol wordnet
- 3 To honour with extravagant love and extreme submission, as a lover; to adore; to idolize. transitive
"With bended knees I daily worship her, / Yet she consumes her own Idolater."
- 4 show devotion to (a deity) wordnet
- 5 To participate in religious ceremonies. intransitive
"We worship at the church down the road."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 attend religious services wordnet
- 7 To touch, fondle, or kiss in an intensely sensual way.
"The kiss is heady and passionate. I show him how far we are from being over by worshipping him with my lips."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The Greeks used to worship several gods."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "worship"?
Common synonyms include: adoration, glory, accord respect to, admiration, admire, admire.
How do you use "worship" in a sentence?
The Greeks used to worship several gods.
How do you pronounce "worship"?
Pronounced /ˈwɜː.ʃɪp/.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English worschippe /worthschipe, inherited from Old English weorþsċiepe. Cognate with Scots worschip (“worship”). By surface analysis, wor(th) + -ship.