Puritanism

[ pyoor-i-tn-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈpyʊər ɪ tnˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for Puritanism on Thesaurus.com

noun

the principles and practices of the Puritans.

(sometimes lowercase) extreme strictness in moral or religious matters, often to excess; rigid austerity.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Puritanism

First recorded in 1565–75; Puritan + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM Puritanism

an·ti-Pu·ri·tan·ism, nounpro-Pu·ri·tan·ism, noun

Words nearby Puritanism

purism, purist, Puritan, Puritan ethic, puritanical, Puritanism, Puritans, Puritan spoon, purity, Purkinje cell, Purkinje fiber

How to use Puritanism in a sentence

American women expressed their support and impatience when fighting puritanism and conservatism using Femen tactics.
Femen's Topless Sextremists Invade the US|Lizzie Crocker|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
H.L. Mencken famously defined puritanism as “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”
Ban E-Cigarettes? The Anti-Smoking Lobby's Clueless Crusade|Nick Gillespie|August 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Never mind that Bill Clinton remains living proof of the silliness of modern puritanism.
Exclusive: Paula Broadwell’s Emails Revealed|Michael Daly|November 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She talked to Marlow Stern about losing her virginity, Charlie Sheen, and sexual Puritanism.
Sasha Grey Talks Porn and Charlie Sheen|Marlow Stern|March 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Positive thinking is Puritanism with a capitalist face, she believes.
Why Are You So Damn Happy?|Megan Hustad|October 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Some blathering parsons say that this blessed Mission is teaching men to talk cant and Puritanism.
The Chequers|James Runciman
Quite "continental," you perceive; and a long way from the Puritanism of our ancestors!
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
The American plutocracy has developed upon a superstructure of Puritanism, and therefore, in America, hypocrisy is necessary.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
At its close the University was a hot-bed of Puritanism, where the fiercest tenets of Calvin reigned supreme.
History of the English People|John Richard Green
The accession of the young Queen heralded one of those moods of puritanism which are chronic with English society.
The English Stage|Augustin Filon