Zoroastrianism

[ zawr-oh-as-tree-uh-niz-uhm, zohr- ]

/ ˌzɔr oʊˈæs tri əˌnɪz əm, ˌzoʊr- /

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noun

an Iranian religion, founded c600 b.c. by Zoroaster, the principal beliefs of which are in the existence of a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and in a cosmic struggle between a spirit of good, Spenta Mainyu, and a spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu.

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Sometimes Zo·ro·as·trism

[zawr-oh-as-triz-uhm, zohr-] /ˌzɔr oʊˈæs trɪz əm, ˌzoʊr-/ .

Also called Mazdaism.

Origin of Zoroastrianism

First recorded in 1850–55; Zoroastrian + -ism

Words nearby Zoroastrianism

zorilla, Zorn, Zorn's lemma, Zoroaster, Zoroastrian, Zoroastrianism, Zorobabel, Zorrilla y Moral, zorse, Zoser, Zosimus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Zoroastrianism in a sentence

The first entry is “Abracadabra,” which at one time was an ancient code used by Egyptian priests, and ends with “Zoroastrianism.”
The Craziest Religions|Benyamin Cohen|July 24, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In Zoroastrianism not only was continuance of life recognized, but a strict retribution was taught.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 7|Various
The original spirit of Zoroastrianism was fierce and exclusive.
The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 3. (of 7): Media|George Rawlinson
But Zoroastrianism has preserved the old form of its religion without change.
The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India--Volume I (of IV)|R.V. Russell

They are akin to the Rakshasas of India or the arch-demons of Zoroastrianism.
Myths & Legends of Babylonia & Assyria|Lewis Spence
It was long the centre of Zoroastrianism, and was also an important Buddhist centre.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrism

/ (ˌzɒrəʊˈæstrɪənˌɪzəm) /

noun

the dualistic religion founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster in the late 7th or early 6th centuries bc and set forth in the sacred writings of the Zend-Avesta. It is based on the concept of a continuous struggle between Ormazd (or Ahura Mazda), the god of creation, light, and goodness, and his arch enemy, Ahriman, the spirit of evil and darkness, and it includes a highly developed ethical codeAlso called: Mazdaism

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012