graven image

noun

1. an idol.

graven image

noun

1. Bible a carved image used as an idol

Word History and Origins

Origin of graven image¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

They even introduced a blemish into the carving to address our concerns with the biblical injunction against graven images.

From Washington Post

Their lawsuit said they won’t allow themselves to be photographed “for any reason,” in keeping with their Old Order Amish belief that photos of people are “graven images” prohibited by the biblical Second Commandment.

From Seattle Times

Some passed him like he was one of the graven images carved into the columns.

From The Verge

As Jehovah’s Witnesses who believed that venerating the flag violated God’s prohibition against bowing to graven images, the Gobitas family argued that the flag salute infringed the children’s First Amendment rights.

From Salon

By every measure, we are again in an era defined by a hostility to graven images.

From Wall Street Journal

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