# infidel

/ˈɪnfɪˌdɛɫ/ (US) · /ˈɪnfɪdəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/infidel
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a non-believer

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a person who does not believe in a religion, especially the one that is most common in their society.

For teachers: a person who does not accept a particular faith, especially one considered the 'true' faith by the speaker. Often carries a strong derogatory or hostile tone.

- In the old story, the knight refused to speak to the infidel.
- The historical chronicles often depicted the opposing army as a host of infidels, serving to justify the conflict on religious grounds.

### 2. lacking faith

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

describing someone who does not have religious faith or something related to them.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of unbelievers or those who reject a specific religious doctrine.

- The king was worried about the infidel ideas spreading through his land.
- The treatise was written to protect the youth from what the author described as infidel influences emerging from the neighboring territories.

Usage: Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.

## Examples

- The old man called the new neighbor an infidel for not going to church.
- In some historical contexts, the term infidel was used to describe anyone who did not follow the dominant faith of the region.
- The novel explores the tension between the protagonist and the local community, where the term infidel is used as a sharp reminder of his perceived lack of religious commitment.

---

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.