What does infidel mean?
An infidel is, in historical usage, a person who is not a Christian; the word was also used more broadly for someone considered outside a dominant religion. Today it is mainly an offensive derogatory label for a person regarded as rejecting a religious faith, or as disloyal to it, and it can carry strong historical and political associations with conflicts between religious communities. Because the term has been used to insult and stigmatize people, neutral language such as “nonbeliever” is generally preferable when describing someone who does not hold a given belief. In older texts, however, the word can provide important evidence about how religious identity and religious difference were understood.
nounHistorically, a person who was not a Christian. In modern usage, the word is an offensive derogatory term for someone regarded as rejecting a particular religion or its beliefs.
- A person who does not accept a particular religion, especially in a historical or broadly religious context.
- An offensive derogatory term for a person whose religious beliefs are regarded as unacceptable or whose loyalty is denied.
"The pamphlet used the term as an insult against its political opponents."
"Medieval Christian writers sometimes used the term for Muslims and other non-Christians."
"The speaker was condemned for describing the group’s members as infidels."
The usual plural is “infidels.”
"The authors accused their rivals of being infidels."
Once a general historical label for someone outside Christianity, “infidel” survives mainly as a deliberately hostile religious slur.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infidel come from?
The word comes through Old French infidele from Latin infidelis, meaning unfaithful or not loyal, especially in matters of belief. Latin infidelis was formed from in-, meaning not, and fidelis, faithful, a word associated with faith and trust. English adopted it in medieval religious contexts, first commonly as a term for a person who was not a Christian; its later development is also reflected in related words such as fidelity and infidelity.
Related word forms
How infidel is actually used
The word is now usually offensive, especially when used to refer to a person who holds a different religion. In older writing, it may appear in historical, literary, or religious contexts; modern speakers generally prefer neutral terms such as “nonbeliever” when that is what is meant.
Easily confused with infidel
Infidelity is usually unfaithfulness in a relationship, whereas an infidel is a person described as rejecting a religion or set of religious beliefs.