messianism

[ mes-ee-uh-niz-uhm, muh-sahy-uh- ]

noun

1. (often initial capital letter) the belief in the coming of the Messiah, or a movement based on this belief.
2. the belief in a leader, cause, or ideology as a savior or deliverer.

Other Words From

• messi·a·nist Messi·a·nist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of messianism¹

1875–80; < Late Latin Messīān-, stem of Messīās Messiah + -ism

Example Sentences

“Anybody writing 12,000 words on psychedelia, messianism, loss of faith, writing a novel and dreaming of a Judaism that reflects our values is of interest to Jewish Currents,” said Mr. Plitman, who stepped down as publisher this year.

From New York Times

In interviews, he compared himself to Steve Jobs and Walt Disney, his self-confidence beginning to veer closer to a form of messianism that has evolved to encompass ventures such as a private school in Los Angeles and designs for massive dome dwellings at his compound in Wyoming.

From Washington Post

“Even more than the psychology of the leader, it is the psychology of the led that demands to be understood,” wrote Gershom Scholem, the great historian of Jewish messianism.

From New York Times

In reaction, or overreaction, to Bush’s messianism, Democratic and Republican administrations alike avoided deliberate global strategies.

From Los Angeles Times

And then suddenly the story happened with this very different kind of messianism of Ammon's coming in.

From Salon