Worship

Worship usually refers to specific acts of religious devotion, typically directed to one or more deities. It is the informal term in English for what sociologists call a cultus, the body of practices and traditions that correspond to a religion.

Religious worship may be performed individually, within informal groups, or as part of a formal meeting. It occurs in a variety of locations including houses, in rented venues, outdoors, or in buildings specially constructed for the purpose, referred to as a place of worship. Most religions place an emphasis on regular worship and many organise meetings for this purpose at frequent intervals (often weekly).

In its older sense in the English language of worthiness or respect (Anglo-Saxon worthscripe), worship may sometimes refer to actions directed at members of higher social classes (such as lords or monarchs) or to particularly esteemed persons (such as a lover).