man-worship
|man-wor-ship|
🇺🇸
/ˈmænˌwɜrʃɪp/
🇬🇧
/ˈmænˌwɜːʃɪp/
worship of humans
Etymology
'man-worship' originates from English, specifically the words 'man' and 'worship'. 'man' comes from Old English 'mann' meaning 'person, human being', and 'worship' comes from Old English 'weorþscipe' (from 'weorþ' meaning 'worthy' + suffix '-scipe') meaning 'condition or quality of being worthy (honor)'.
'man' remained from Old English 'mann' into Middle English as 'man'; 'weorþscipe' evolved through Middle English into the modern word 'worship'. The compound 'man-worship' developed in Modern English by combining these elements to denote reverence directed toward 'man'.
Initially, elements meant 'person' and 'the condition of worthiness or honor'; over time the compound came to denote not merely respect but the act of elevating humans (or a man) to the status of an object of worship or excessive admiration.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the worship, excessive admiration, or idealization of humanity as a whole (exalting human beings or human nature).
Some social critics warn that modern secular ideologies can slide into man-worship, placing human reason above all other values.
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Noun 2
the excessive adoration or idolizing of a particular man or men (hero-worship directed at an individual or group).
Her man-worship of the charismatic leader made it hard for her to acknowledge his faults.
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Last updated: 2025/10/11 13:44