pagan

pa·gan

noun \ˈpā-gən\

Definition of PAGAN

1

: heathen 1; especially : a follower of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome)

2

: one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person

3

: neo-pagan

— pagan adjective

— pa·gan·ish \-gə-nish\ adjective

Examples of PAGAN

1. <the Spanish conquistadores regarded the native peoples of the lands that they conquered as pagans who were uncivilized and inherently inferior>

Origin of PAGAN

Middle English, from Late Latin paganus, from Latin, civilian, country dweller, from pagus country district; akin to Latin pangere to fix — more at pact

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PAGAN

Synonyms: gentile, idolater (or idolator), heathen

Related Words: atheist, giaour, infidel, misbeliever, miscreant, nonbeliever, unbeliever; non-Christian, non-Jew, non-Muslim; neo-pagan, polytheist

Near Antonyms: Christian, Jew, Muslim

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Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with PAGAN

fagin, Reagan