paganism

[pey-guh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. pagan spirit or attitude in religious or moral questions.

2. the beliefs or practices of pagans.

3. the state of being a pagan.

Other Word Forms

• paganist adjective
• paganistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paganism¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English pāgānysme, from Late Latin pāgānismus, equivalent to Latin pāgān(us) pagan + -ismus -ism

Example Sentences

But Loomer isn't wrong that, in the past, this behavior would get the evangelical world all worked up over the evils of paganism and witchcraft.

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Souling, a longstanding tradition with links to Christianity rather than paganism, is comparable to trick-or-treating in that it involved going from door-to-door to beg for "soul cakes".

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This week’s speakers and presenters will represent Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, paganism and other beliefs.

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After all, how many films deal with paganism, Christianity, murder and rural isolation with a cast including Scottish comedy greats, screen horror icons, two international sex symbols - plus songs and dances?

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My souvenir wooden Easter egg has many meanings written atop it — paganism, Christianity, and most of all, contradiction.

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Related Words

• blasphemy 
• fallacy