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Definition of puritanism

puritanism

/ˈpjʊrətəˌnɪzəm/
pu · ri · tan · ism
Adverb:puritanically
•
Adjective:puritanical
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puritanism Lexical Profile

puritanism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Strictness and austerity in moral or religious matters, especially an attitude that regards pleasure or indulgence as sinful.

Example

"The director's new film challenges the lingering puritanism surrounding discussions of human sexuality."

2

The beliefs or principles of a group of 16th- and 17th-century English Protestants who sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship.

Example

"Early New England literature was heavily influenced by the theological doctrines of Puritanism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

puritan
puritanical
puritanically
puritanism
purity
purloiner
purple

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from 'Puritan' (ultimately from Latin puritas, meaning 'purity') and the suffix '-ism', originally referring to the movement to purify the Church of England of Roman Catholic practices.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Puritanism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/puritanism
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