puritanism
/ˈpjʊ rə tə ˌnɪ zəm/
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Definition(s):
- (n) the beliefs and practices characteristic of Puritans (most of whom were Calvinists who wished to purify the Church of England of its Catholic aspects)
- (n) strictness and austerity in conduct and religion
Usage(s):
- For decades, the French have relished any opportunity to mock Americans for their supposed childish Yankee puritanism when it comes to matters of sex.
- It seemed that Iran's uncertain advance into the 20th century had stumbled again, and that the nation had been thrust back into the dark Islamic puritanism of the 18th century.
- In a spasm of puritanism, the police had decided to enforce a 70-year-old law against immorality.
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