religion

[ ri-lij-uhn ]

noun

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects:

   the Christian religion;

   the Buddhist religion.

3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices:

   a world council of religions.

4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.:

   to enter religion.

5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience:

   to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

7. religions, Archaic. religious rites:

   painted priests performing religions deep into the night.

8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion:

   a religion to one's vow.

religion

/ rɪˈlɪdʒən /

noun

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny
2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers
4. RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. archaic.
   1. the practice of sacred ritual observances
   2. sacred rites and ceremonies

Other Words From

• re·li·gion·less adjective
• an·ti·re·li·gion adjective
• non·re·li·gion noun
• sub·re·li·gion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of religion¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English religioun, from Old French religion or directly from Latin religiōn- (stem of religiō “conscientiousness, piety,” equivalent to relig(āre) “to tie, fasten” ( re- re- + ligāre “to bind, tie”; ligament ) + -iōn- -ion; rely

Word History and Origins

Origin of religion¹

C12: via Old French from Latin religiō fear of the supernatural, piety, probably from religāre to tie up, from re- + ligāre to bind

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get religion, Informal.
   1. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
   2. to resolve to mend one's errant ways:

      The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

More idioms and phrases containing religion

see get religion .

Example Sentences

In many ways, nature became Tanton’s religion, and the mission to protect it consumed him.

From Salon

We can all imagine a leader who appeals to identity issues like religion and immigration while pursuing a program of genuine economic reform.

From Salon

His religion meant that for a long time, he was unable to perform in any school shows.

From BBC

Beyond his purported frustration with organized religion, we learn very little about Reed.

From Los Angeles Times

Following the bill signing, nine Louisiana families of various religions filed a lawsuit arguing that the law interferes with their rights to raise their children under the religion of their choosing.

From Salon

Related Words

• church
• creed
• cult
• denomination
• doctrine
• morality
• myth
• mythology
• prayer
• ritual
• sect
• spirituality
• superstition
• theology