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heathenism

American  
[hee-thuh-niz-uhm] / ˈhi ðəˌnɪz əm /

noun

  1. a belief or practice of heathens; idolatry.

  2. barbaric morals or behavior; barbarism.


Etymology

Origin of heathenism

First recorded in 1595–1605; heathen + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Heathenism is also one of America's most enduring foils, shoring up the country's fragile sense of who we are.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2022

The Christians of Germany say that the only alternative these theories leave us, is Heathenism or Christianity; "Heidenthum oder Christenthum, Die Frage der Zeit."

From What is Darwinism? by Hodge, Charles

The cornice f represents Heathenism and Papistry, animated by the mingling of Christianity and nature.

From The Stones of Venice, Volume I (of 3) by Ruskin, John

The two opposite artistic poles of Heathenism and Christianity are Sculpture and Music.

From The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I. by Hoffmann, Ernst Theodor Wilhelm

Heathenism, repression of, 285-287, 320-322, 346 f., 370-374, 557.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen