paganism

pa-gan-ism · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A religion or belief system that is not one of the major world religions, especially nature-based or polytheistic traditions.

  2. 2.

    Historical term for pre-Christian religions, especially those of ancient Greece and Rome.

  3. 3.

    Lack of religious belief; irreligion (archaic usage).

Related words

Antonyms: christianity, monotheism
See also: heathen, pagan, polytheism
Synonyms: heathenism, polytheism

Etymology

From Latin paganus ("country dweller, civilian") + -ism. Originally referred to rural people who were slower to adopt Christianity.