religion

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈlɪdʒ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods: ideas about the relationship between science and religion
  • [count noun] a particular system of faith and worship: the world’s great religions
  • [count noun] a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion: consumerism is the new religion

Phrases

get religion

informal be converted to religious belief and practices: he got religion and gave his money to the poor

Derivatives

religionless

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (originally in the sense 'life under monastic vows'): from Old French, or from Latin religio(n-) 'obligation, bond, reverence', perhaps based on Latin religare 'to bind'