religion

[ ri-lij-uh n ]

/ rɪˈlɪdʒ ən /

noun

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.

the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.

something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

religions, Archaic. religious rites: painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.

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Idioms for religion

get religion, Informal.

to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

Origin of religion

1150–1200; Middle English religioun (< Old French religion) < Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō) conscientiousness, piety, equivalent to relig(āre) to tie, fasten (re- re- + ligāre to bind, tie; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely

OTHER WORDS FROM religion

re·li·gion·less, adjectivean·ti·re·li·gion, adjectivenon·re·li·gion, nounsub·re·li·gion, noun

Words nearby religion

relievo, relig., relight, religieuse, religieux, religion, religionism, religiose, religiosity, religious, religious house

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for get religion

religion

/ (rɪˈlɪdʒən) /

noun

belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

any formal or institutionalized expression of such beliefthe Christian religion

the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

mainly RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nunsto enter religion

something of overwhelming importance to a personfootball is his religion

archaic

the practice of sacred ritual observances
sacred rites and ceremonies

Word Origin for religion

C12: via Old French from Latin religiō fear of the supernatural, piety, probably from religāre to tie up, from re- + ligāre to bind

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with get religion (1 of 2)

get religion

Be converted; also, decide to behave in an upright, ethical way. For example, After the children were born, John got religion and joined the church, or After years of total selfishness, she suddenly got religion and is doing all kinds of volunteer work. [Second half of 1700s]

Idioms and Phrases with get religion (2 of 2)

religion

see get religion.