1. Plural of baal; false gods or idols worshipped in ancient Near Eastern religions, particularly in Canaanite and Phoenician cultures.
Usage: biblical/historical; often capitalized when referring to specific deities
2. In modern usage, any object of excessive devotion or worship; something treated as an idol.
Usage: figurative; often used in religious or philosophical contexts

Examples

• The ancient Israelites were warned against worshipping baals in the Old Testament.
• Archaeologists discovered temples dedicated to various baals throughout the Levant.
• The prophets condemned the people for turning to baals instead of following their faith.
• In modern discourse, some use 'baals' metaphorically to describe materialism and greed as false baals.
• Historical texts describe baals as fertility deities central to Canaanite religion.