What does paganise mean?
Paganise means to make someone or something pagan, or to adopt pagan religious beliefs and practices. It is used when describing the conversion of people, communities, places, or traditions away from another faith or toward forms of religious practice associated with pre-Christian or non-Christian belief. The word is especially common in historical and cultural commentary, including discussions of colonisation, missionary activity, and the spread of different religious traditions. In British English, “paganise” is spelled with s, while American English normally uses “paganize.” The term can sound somewhat formal and may carry a negative implication when it describes an alleged attempt to undermine an established religion, although it can also be used neutrally for a historical change. Its related noun, “paganism,” names the body of beliefs or practices involved.
To make someone a pagan or cause them to adopt pagan beliefs, customs, or religious practices.
"The new rulers sought to paganise the temples and local traditions."
Often used in historical, political, religious, or cultural contexts.
To adopt pagan beliefs, customs, or religious practices.
"The region gradually paganised over the following centuries."
Used intransitively for a person or community undergoing a change in religious affiliation.
To paganise something is to transform its religious or cultural identity, not merely to describe its beliefs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paganise come from?
The verb is formed from “pagan” plus the suffix “-ise,” meaning to make or turn into something. “Pagan” comes through Old French from Latin “paganus,” originally meaning “of the countryside” and later used for people who followed non-Christian religious traditions. The verb therefore literally means “to make pagan,” and the spelling “paganize” is the corresponding American form.
Related word forms
How paganise is actually used
The verb is relatively uncommon and often appears in historical, political, religious, or cultural discussions. “Heathenize” is more dated and can sound derogatory or archaic.
Easily confused with paganise
“Paganise” is the standard British spelling, while “paganize” is the standard American spelling of the same verb.