noun
heretic
HEH-rih-tihk
noun
1
A person whose beliefs conflict with the official teachings of their religion.
"In medieval Europe, accused heretics could face severe punishment."
2
Someone who rejects widely accepted ideas or practices in any field.
"Early advocates of hand-washing in hospitals were treated as heretics by their peers."
How to Use Heretic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who holds beliefs that go against accepted religious or mainstream views.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more heretic comparative, heretics plural, most heretic superlative
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In medieval Europe, accused _____ could face severe punishment.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek hairetikós ("able to choose"), via Old French eretique.
Related Words
Rhymes for heretic
poetic
genetic
kinetic
ascetic
magnetic
cosmetic
athletic
diabetic
pathetic
copacetic
aesthetic
apathetic
See all rhymes for heretic →