heathenism

American  

[hee-thuh-niz-uhm] / ˈhi ðəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. a belief or practice of heathens; idolatry.

2. barbaric morals or behavior; barbarism.

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Etymology

Origin of heathenism

First recorded in 1595–1605; heathen + -ism

Example Sentences

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

How does the concept of heathenism play into Christian nationalism?

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

But a couple of years later an independent missionary, Birinus, was consecrated in Italy, and was sent by the people to make fresh attempts to break down the barriers of heathenism in England.

From Cathedral Cities of England by Gilbert, George