Puritanism

[ pyoor-i-tn-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈpyʊər ɪ tnˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

noun

the principles and practices of the Puritans.

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

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

Meet Grammar Coach

Origin of Puritanism

First recorded in 1565–75; Puritan + -ism

an·ti-Pu·ri·tan·ism, noun

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