hagiolatry

/ˌheɪɡiˈɑlətri/
noun
  1. The worship or excessive veneration of saints.
    • Hagiolatry can sometimes overshadow the central teachings of a religion.
    • Some critics accused the church of promoting hagiolatry rather than true faith.
    • The medieval period saw a rise in hagiolatry, with many pilgrims traveling to saints' shrines.
  2. Excessive admiration or reverence for any person, as if they were a saint.
    • The biography avoids hagiolatry and presents a balanced view of the historical figure.
    • The fans' hagiolatry of the pop star bordered on obsession.
    • Political hagiolatry often prevents honest criticism of leaders.
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