paganism

[pey-guh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. pagan spirit or attitude in religious or moral questions.

2. the beliefs or practices of pagans.

3. the state of being a pagan.

Other Word Forms

• paganist adjective
• paganistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paganism¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English pāgānysme, from Late Latin pāgānismus, equivalent to Latin pāgān(us) pagan + -ismus -ism

Example Sentences

According to scholars of Scandinavian studies, many widely held beliefs about Vikings and Old Norse paganism cannot be confirmed through modern scientific methods.

Read more on Science Daily

But Loomer isn't wrong that, in the past, this behavior would get the evangelical world all worked up over the evils of paganism and witchcraft.

Read more on Salon

Souling, a longstanding tradition with links to Christianity rather than paganism, is comparable to trick-or-treating in that it involved going from door-to-door to beg for "soul cakes".

Read more on Salon

This week’s speakers and presenters will represent Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, paganism and other beliefs.

Read more on Seattle Times

After all, how many films deal with paganism, Christianity, murder and rural isolation with a cast including Scottish comedy greats, screen horror icons, two international sex symbols - plus songs and dances?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• blasphemy 
• fallacy