# heretic

/ˈhɛɹətɪk/ (US) · /hˈɛɹətˌɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heretic
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who has different religious beliefs from the ones their group officially accepts. In the past, this was a very serious crime.

For teachers: a person who holds beliefs or opinions contrary to those accepted by a religious group or church. Historically associated with severe punishment or execution.

## Examples

- The king declared him a heretic for his new ideas.
- During the Middle Ages, anyone who questioned the official church teachings was often labeled a heretic.
- The philosopher was accused of being a heretic because his radical theories about the nature of the soul challenged the established doctrines of the time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.