heresy

American  

[her-uh-see] / ˈhɛr ə si /

noun

plural

heresies

1. opinion or doctrine at variance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine, especially of a church or religious system.

2. the maintaining of such an opinion or doctrine.

3. Roman Catholic Church. the willful and persistent rejection of any article of faith by a baptized member of the church.

4. any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs, customs, etc.

   Synonyms:

   dissension, iconoclasm, dissent

---

heresy British  

/ ˈhɛrəsɪ /

noun

1. 1. an opinion or doctrine contrary to the orthodox tenets of a religious body or church

   2. the act of maintaining such an opinion or doctrine

2. any opinion or belief that is or is thought to be contrary to official or established theory

3. belief in or adherence to unorthodox opinion

---

heresy Cultural  

1. A belief or teaching considered unacceptable by a religious group. (See heretic.)

---

Other Word Forms

• superheresy noun

Etymology

Origin of heresy

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English heresie, from Old French eresie, from Latin haeresis “school of thought, sect,” from Greek haíresis, literally, “act of choosing,” derivative of haireîn “to choose”

Example Sentences

"This is eminently reasonable but was treated for many years as heresy," he added.

From BBC

The heresy of yesterday is now – thanks to science and economic crisis – the opportunity of today.

From BBC

I realize this is heresy, but I think it’s important to acknowledge the irreducible strangeness of the drama.

From Los Angeles Times

But his suggestion that animals think and feel was seen as scientific heresy among many, if not most animal behaviour experts.

From BBC

Across the decades, there were many cases of ecclesiastical civil disobedience — clergy doing ordinations and marriages that defied church bans, some of whom were tried for heresy or other infractions.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blasphemy
• fallacy