Manichean

or Man·i·chae·an

[ man-i-kee-uhn ]

noun

1. Also Man·i·chee [] an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Other Words From

• Mani·chean·ism Mani·cheism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Manichean¹

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Example Sentences

What remains is the standard Manichean autopilot of American thought, operating in sync with the structural affinity for war that's built into the military-industrial complex.

From Salon

The Yazidis are an ancient religious minority in eastern Syria and northwest Iraq that Islamic State viewed as supposed devil worshippers for their faith that combines Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs.

From Reuters

“You’re moving out of that Catholic sense of the world and moving into something maybe evangelical, maybe Manichean.”

From Slate

It is the first time Dutch prosecutors have brought a case for crimes against humanity committed against Yazidis, an ancient religious minority who combine Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs, the prosecution service said in a news release.

From Reuters

The Yazidis are an ancient religious minority in eastern Syria and northwest Iraq that Islamic State viewed as supposed devil worshippers for their faith that combines Zoroastrian, Christian, Manichean, Jewish and Muslim beliefs.

From Reuters