Definition of: idol

(īd′l) noun
1. An image of a god or saint, or an object to which or through which worship is offered.
2. The image of a heathen god.
3. That on which the affections are passionately set.
4. A source of error; a fallacy.
5. An unsubstantial apparition; a phantom due to reflection, as in a mirror.
6. Obs. An impostor; counterfeit. See synonyms under IMAGE. ◆ Homophones: idle, idyl. [<OF idele <L idolum·<Gk. eidōlon image, phantom <eidos form, shape]