heathenism

[ hee-thuh-niz-uhm ]

/ ˈhi ðəˌnɪz əm /

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noun

a belief or practice of heathens; idolatry.

barbaric morals or behavior; barbarism.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

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Origin of heathenism

First recorded in 1595–1605; heathen + -ism

Words nearby heathenism

heathberry, heath cock, heathen, heathendom, heathenish, heathenism, heathenize, heather, heathery, heath family, heathfowl

How to use heathenism in a sentence

The influence of the Jews had helped also to undermine heathenism and thus to prepare the ground for Christianity.
Gospel Philosophy|J. H. Ward
When the absurdities of heathenism became apparent, men fell into other superstitions.
Gospel Philosophy|J. H. Ward
A striking advance had taken place of late years, and a severe contest was going on between heathenism and Christianity.
Robert Moffat|David J. Deane
Such was the effect produced on Rusticus's mind by this miracle, that he forsook heathenism and became a Christian.
The Mysteries of All Nations|James Grant

He seemed like the minister of some dark rite of heathenism, preparing to offer up a victim to the Moloch of his superstition.
The Portland Sketch Book|Various