anticlerical
an-tee-KLER-i-kul
/ˌæntiˈklɛrɪkəl/
Opposed to the power, influence, or privileges of the clergy in public life.
Specifically targets the institutional power and privilege of religious leaders, not necessarily faith itself.
The story behind the word. Combines Greek 'anti-' (against) with 'klerikos' (belonging to the clergy, from 'kleros' meaning lot or inheritance, as priests were chosen by lot or considered God's portion). The term gained prominence during the Enlightenment and 19th-century European political struggles against church interference in state affairs.
Word relationships
- anti-ecclesiastical: Directly opposes the church organization itself rather than individual priests.
- laicizing: Focuses on shifting duties to non-clergy rather than expressing opposition to clergy.
- clerical: Relating to the clergy or church leadership.
- pro-clerical: Supporting the authority and presence of religious ministers.
Commonly confused with
- anti-religious: Anti-religious opposes religious belief itself, while anticlerical opposes political authority of clergy.
Word family
- anticlericalism (noun): Opposition to the power of the clergy.
Collocations
- anticlerical movement
- anticlerical legislation
- anticlerical sentiment
- anticlerical hostility
Example sentences
- "The French Revolution unleashed strong anticlerical sentiments, leading to the confiscation of church lands." French Revolution history
Memory hook
ANTI-clerical = ANTI (against) the power of CLERGY. Anticlerical = opposing church political power.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for atheist; an anticlerical person may be devoutly religious while opposing church political power.
Fun facts
- Voltaire famously championed anticlerical views, ending many letters with the phrase 'Écrasez l'infâme!' ('Crush the infamous thing!'), referring to church abuses.
Related words
Explore more words
profane, iconoclastic, populist, sectarian, excommunicate, egalitarian
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