'iconolatry' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'iconolatria', where the Greek 'eikōn' (eikon) meant 'image' and the Greek 'latreia' meant 'worship'.

'iconolatry' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'iconolatria' (borrowed from Greek elements) and eventually became the modern English word 'iconolatry'.

Initially, it meant 'worship of religious images' and over time it has retained that primary sense while also being used more broadly to mean 'excessive veneration of images, symbols, or persons'.