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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.

See Examples For:

How does the concept of heathenism play into Christian nationalism?

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2022

In some ways, Gin Lum notes, the idea of heathenism is a large part of the origin story of the American concept of race.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2022

Before getting to the more modern, polite versions, is it fair to say that the concept of heathenism has basically been used as justification for empire or subjugation?

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2022

Mr. Strand, especially takes Arthur’s endless fibbing to the nth degree, and his pudgy figure adds an extra dimension of tragicomedy to Arthur’s downward spiral into hedonistic heathenism.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 28, 2015

Then at the same time the Neapolitans, who yet continued in heathenism, declared war against the inhabitants of the city of Sepontina, who worshiped the holy place, and against those of Benevento.

From The Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church Containing the Sermones Catholici, or Homilies of ?lfric, in the Original Anglo-Saxon, with an English Version. Volume I. by Abbot of Eynsham Aelfric

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