henotheism

[ hen-uh-thee-iz-uh m ]

/ ˈhɛn ə θiˌɪz əm /

noun

the worship of a particular god, as by a family or tribe, without disbelieving in the existence of others.

ascription of supreme divine attributes to whichever one of several gods is addressed at the time.

Nearby words

hennepin, louis, hennery, hennin, henoch, henoch-schönlein purpura, henotheism, henpeck, henpecked, henri, henri, robert, henrietta

Origin of henotheism

1855–60; < Greek heno-, combining form of hén one (neuter of heîs) + theism

Related forms

hen·o·the·ist, nounhen·o·the·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for henotheism

Henotheism, a polytheism which assigns to one god of the pantheon superiority over the rest.
The Nuttall Encyclopaedia|Edited by Rev. James Wood
In contrast with 'henotheism' or 'monolatry,' such as the worship of the early Hebrews.
Outspoken Essays|William Ralph Inge
It marks the highest point to which the Hebrew race attained in its progress from henotheism to monotheism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2|Various
There was no henotheism, no worship of several single supreme deities: One only was supreme.
Moon Lore|Timothy Harley

It would thus appear almost as if all gods are one god to Mr. Frazer by a kind of scientific 'Henotheism.'
Magic and Religion|Andrew Lang

British Dictionary definitions for henotheism

henotheism

/ (ˈhɛnəʊθiːˌɪzəm) /

noun

the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe

Derived Forms

henotheist, nounhenotheistic, adjective

Word Origin for henotheism

C19: from Greek heis one + theos god

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