1.
worshipper; devotee (in a religious sense)
A person who worships a deity, religious figure, or spiritual entity. Used in religious and historical contexts.
太陽の崇拝者たち。
Sun worshippers.
この神殿には多くの崇拝者が集まった。
Many worshippers gathered at this temple.
古代エジプトでは、ファラオは神の崇拝者であると同時に神そのものとされた。
In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was regarded as both a worshipper of the gods and a god himself.
2.
admirer; devotee; ardent fan
A person who deeply admires or reveres another person, ideology, or movement. Can carry a slightly intense connotation.
彼はその作家の熱烈な崇拝者だ。
He is an ardent admirer of that author.
自由主義の崇拝者として知られている。
Known as a devotee of liberalism.
彼女は若い頃からその哲学者の崇拝者で、全著作を読破した。
She has been a devotee of that philosopher since she was young and has read all his works.
Compound of 崇拝 ('worship; adoration') and 者 ('person'). The word can describe both literal religious worshippers and secular admirers, though in either case it implies a deep, almost reverential level of devotion.
USAGE:
In modern usage, the secular sense (sense 2) can carry a faintly negative nuance, suggesting uncritical or excessive admiration. In religious and historical contexts (sense 1), it is neutral.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 熱烈な崇拝者: ardent admirer
- 偶像崇拝者: idol worshipper
- 太陽の崇拝者: sun worshipper
- 崇拝者が集まる: worshippers gather
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ファン: fan — a casual, positive term for a supporter or enthusiast; no religious overtone
- 信者: believer; follower — primarily religious; can also be used sarcastically for a blind follower
- 愛好者: enthusiast; lover of — neutral term for someone who enjoys a particular hobby or pursuit
- 崇拝: worship; adoration — the act itself, without the person suffix