worship

The word conveys a total surrender of the ego to something perceived as superior, whether divine or human. It suggests an intensity that goes beyond simple respect or liking, implying a state of awe-struck devotion. In a religious context, it is formal and sacred, involving ritualized behavior intended to honor a higher power. The feeling is one of humility and submission. When applied to people, the connotation often shifts toward the obsessive or idealizing. To "worship" a person suggests a lack of critical distance, where the object of affection is placed on a pedestal and viewed as flawless. This usage can be romantic and sweet, or cautionary and unhealthy.