What does heresy mean?
Heresy usually refers to a religious belief or doctrine that conflicts with the teachings of an established church or other authoritative body. The word can also be used figuratively for an opinion or practice that is considered daringly unconventional, though it often suggests more conflict and moral seriousness than a mild deviation. Historically, charges of heresy could lead to condemnation, expulsion, or punishment, so the term carries associations with institutional power, disagreement, and persecution. Its force depends heavily on who is speaking: an established authority may use it to condemn a belief, while critics may use it ironically to suggest that an orthodox position is being treated as unquestionable. In contemporary writing, heresy often appears in debates about religion, politics, culture, and intellectual conformity.
nounA belief or doctrine that is regarded as contrary to established religious teachings, especially those of an authoritative church. More broadly, an opinion or practice considered radically unconventional or in conflict with accepted principles.
- A belief or doctrine that contradicts established religious teachings or an authoritative church's doctrines.
- More broadly, an opinion, practice, or approach considered contrary to accepted principles or strongly unconventional.
"The philosopher was accused of heresy for challenging the church's interpretation of scripture."
"The early church leaders regarded the new teaching as a dangerous heresy."
"In the debate, the suggestion that the policy was unnecessarily rigid was dismissed as political heresy."
The plural is heresies and is commonly used for different doctrines condemned as heresies.
"The medieval authorities catalogued several heresies that challenged orthodox teaching."
A heresy is often defined less by the belief itself than by the authority that condemns it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heresy come from?
The word comes through Middle English heresie, from Old French heresie and Latin haeresis, ultimately from Greek hairesis, meaning “choice” or “selection.” Greek hairesis came from hairein, “to choose,” and was used for a chosen doctrine or school of thought. The term later came to mean a belief rejected as false or unauthorized by an established religious authority.
Related word forms
How heresy is actually used
Traditionally a formal and strongly disapproving term in religious contexts. Modern figurative uses can be playful or sarcastic, but they usually imply a serious challenge to accepted beliefs or conventions.
Easily confused with heresy
Heresy is the belief or doctrine considered unacceptable, whereas a heretic is the person who holds or advocates it.