Pharisaism

[ far-uh-sey-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the principles and practices of the Pharisees.
2. (lowercase) rigid observance of external forms of religion or conduct without genuine piety; hypocrisy.

Pharisaism

/ ˈfærɪsiːˌɪzəm; ˈfærɪseɪˌɪzəm /

noun

1. Judaism the tenets and customs of the Pharisees
2. often not capital observance of the external forms of religion without genuine belief; hypocrisy

Other Words From

• Phari·sa·ist adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pharisaism¹

From the New Latin word Pharisaismus, dating back to 1595–1605. See Pharisaic, -ism

Example Sentences

It is full of deceit, sham, and pharisaism—an aggravated counterpart of the outside world.

From Project Gutenberg

That chief literary expression of Pharisaism, the Mishnah, was the outcome of the work begun at Jamnia.

From Project Gutenberg

They are a nation without faith, truth or conscience enveloped in a panoplied pharisaism and an incurable hypocrisy.

From Project Gutenberg

The tyranny of all over each is as different from freedom as is pharisaism from spiritual living.

From Project Gutenberg

These expressions of unctuous pharisaism are coldly received by the French, who ask no favours but claim justice.

From Project Gutenberg