What does paganize mean?
To paganize something is to make it pagan, especially by introducing, reviving, or imposing pre-Christian or other non-Christian religious beliefs and practices. The verb can describe the conversion of individuals, but it is also used more broadly for the transformation of a culture, place, institution, or landscape. Its tone is often critical: saying that someone has “paganized” a community may imply that established religious or cultural traditions have been undermined. The word is related to “pagan” and “paganism,” and its meaning is not restricted to a single ancient religion. In American English the usual spelling is “paganize,” while British English commonly uses “paganise.”
verbTo make someone or something pagan, or to adopt or restore pagan beliefs or practices. It can also mean to regard something as belonging to pre-Christian or non-Christian religion.
- To convert someone or something to pagan beliefs, practices, or worship; to render something pagan.
"The invaders attempted to paganize the local communities, destroying temples and replacing their worship with their own rituals."
"The ruler tried to paganize the kingdom by reviving the worship of the older gods."
"The restoration of the shrine would effectively paganize the sacred landscape around it."
The word “paganize” captures a dramatic transformation: not merely describing an old belief, but actively making the world pagan again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paganize come from?
“Paganize” is derived from “pagan,” which comes through Old French from Latin “paganus,” originally meaning “villager” or “country person” and later referring to people outside the Christian world. The verb developed from the idea of making something or someone belong to that religious category. It is a cognate-family formation alongside “paganism,” “paganish,” and the less common “paganly.”
Related word forms
How paganize is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon and often carries a negative or historically charged connotation, especially when used of attempts to suppress Christianity or other established religions. The spelling “paganise” is common in British English.
Easily confused with paganize
A pagan is a person who follows a religion other than Christianity or Judaism, whereas paganize is the verb describing the act of making something pagan.
Paganize is the standard spelling in American English; British English commonly uses the form paganise.