Heresy

/ˈhɛr.ə.si/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A belief or opinion that deviates from established doctrine, especially in a religious context.

The church condemned his ideas as heresy, leading to his excommunication.

Any belief or theory that is profoundly at variance with accepted beliefs or customs.

The scientist's revolutionary theories were considered heresy by the conservative factions of the academic community.

A denial of a central doctrine of a religious faith.

To suggest that there is no afterlife was viewed as heresy by the followers of that religion.

From Middle English heresie, from Old French heresie, from Latin haeresis, from Greek hairesis (ἡαίρεσις) meaning 'choice, faction'.

heresy of belief

A belief that significantly deviates from traditional views.

intellectual heresy

Challenging established academic or philosophical ideas.

orthodoxy

The established or accepted doctrine, particularly in religious contexts.

sect

A group of people with somewhat different beliefs from those of a larger group.

A radical opinion that challenges mainstream ideas.

His theory was labeled as heresy in the conservative circles.

Any extreme or unconventional idea that provokes strong disagreement.

Her views on climate change were considered straight-up heresy by her peers.