'image-worshipper' originates from English, formed as a compound of 'image' and 'worshipper'. 'image' ultimately comes from Latin 'imago' (via Old French 'image'), meaning 'likeness, statue', and 'worshipper' derives from Old English 'weorþscipe' > 'worship' meaning 'honor' + agentive suffix '-er'.

'image' changed from Latin 'imago' into Old French 'image' and then into Middle English 'image'; 'worshipper' developed from Old English 'weorþscipe' (worth-ship) -> Middle English 'worship' -> 'worshipper', and the modern compound 'image-worshipper' arose in English by combining the two elements.

Initially it referred specifically to someone who worships religious images (idolatry); over time the term has retained that primary sense and has also been used figuratively for excessive admiration of secular images or personas.