Jansenism

[ jan-suh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrinal system of Cornelis Jansen and his followers, denying free will and maintaining that human nature is corrupt and that Christ died for the elect and not for all humanity.

Jansenism

/ ˈdʒænsəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. RC Church the doctrine of the Cornelis Jansen and his disciples, who maintained that salvation was limited to those subject to a supernatural determinism, the rest being destined to perdition
2. the religious movement arising from these doctrines

Derived Forms

• ˈJansenist, nounadjective
• ˌJansenˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• Jansen·ist noun
• Jansen·istic Jansen·isti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jansenism¹

From the French word jansénisme, dating back to 1650–60. See Jansen, -ism

Example Sentences

Arnauld’s preoccupation with the fact developed out of the great dispute over whether Jansenism, of which Arnauld was the leading light, was heretical.

From Literature

The Jesuits see that too, and are very willing to furnish such occupation; but the King, who thinks himself a new St. George, is tired of persecuting Jansenism.

From Project Gutenberg

This question of Jansenism and Molinism occupied France for about two hundred years.

From Project Gutenberg

He was welcomed especially by the members of a family destined to hold the destinies of Jansenism in their grasp, the Arnaulds of Port Royal.

From Project Gutenberg

After the king's death the tribunal prohibited this work as infected with Jansenism.

From Project Gutenberg