heathen
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1hea·then
adjective \ˈhē-thən\Definition of HEATHEN
1
: of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2
Examples of HEATHEN
- <old missionaries who mistakenly thought that they were going off to China to tame the heathen hordes>
Origin of HEATHEN
Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣthen; akin to Old High German heidan heathen, and probably to Old English hǣth heath
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to HEATHEN
- Synonyms
- barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, savage, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild
- Antonyms
- civilized
Other Christian Religious Terms
2heathen
noun plural heathens or heathen
Definition of HEATHEN
1
: an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible
2
: an uncivilized or irreligious person
— hea·then·dom \-dəm\ noun
— hea·then·ism \-thə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
— hea·then·ize \-thə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb
See Examples of HEATHEN
- <a missionary sent to distant lands to convert the heathens>
- <European colonizers, who considered the New World peoples to be heathens, forced them to conform to European ways.>
First Known Use of HEATHEN
before 12th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
Learn More About HEATHEN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: heathenesse
Previous Word in the Dictionary: heath cypress
All Words Near: heathen
Previous Word in the Dictionary: heath cypress
All Words Near: heathen
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up heathen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
