wor´ship|per

wor|ship «WUR shihp», noun, verb, -shiped, -ship|ing or -shipped, -ship|ping.

–n.

1. great honor and respect: »

the worship of God, idol worship, fire worship.

SYNONYM(S): reverence.

2. religious ceremonies or services in honor of God. Prayers and hymns are part of worship. »

A church is a place for public worship.

3. great love and admiration; adoration: »

hero worship, the worship of wealth and power.

4. an object of worship.

5. British. a title used in addressing certain magistrates and various others of high rank or position: »

“Yes, your worship,” he said to the judge.

6. Archaic. a) honorable character; honor; distinction; renown. b) honorable or high rank or standing; importance; dignity.

–v.t.

1. to pay great honor and respect to: »

People go to church to worship God.

SYNONYM(S): revere, venerate.

2. to consider extremely precious; hold very dear; adore: »

A miser worships money. I worshiped the very ground she walked on (Dickens).

–v.i.

1. to take part in a religious service.

2. to feel extreme adoration or devotion for a person or thing.

╂[Old English worthscip, variant of weorthscipe < weorth worth + -scipe -ship]

–wor´ship|er,

–wor´ship|per, noun.

–wor´ship|less, adjective.