anti-Freemasonry
|an-ti-free-ma-son-ry|
/ˌæntiˈfriːmeɪsənri/
opposition to Freemasonry
Etymology
'anti-Freemasonry' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') plus 'Freemasonry' (from 'Freemason' + suffix '-ry'). 'Freemason' traces to Old French 'franc-maçon' where 'franc' meant 'free' and 'maçon' meant 'mason' (stoneworker).
'Freemason' came from Old French 'franc-maçon' → Middle English 'frimason' → modern English 'Freemason'; 'Freemasonry' developed as the noun for the fraternity, and the modern compound 'anti-Freemasonry' arose by attaching the productive English prefix 'anti-' to indicate opposition.
Originally referring to 'free stone-workers' or members of stonemasons' guilds, 'Freemasonry' evolved to denote the fraternal society; consequently, 'anti-Freemasonry' came to mean opposition to that society or its ideas.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to Freemasonry; the sentiment, movement, or ideology that opposes the Freemasons or the institution of Freemasonry.
Anti-Freemasonry grew in some countries during periods of political or religious tension.
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Adjective 1
opposed to or hostile toward Freemasonry; describing activities, attitudes, or movements that act against Freemasonry.
They launched an anti-Freemasonry campaign aimed at exposing the society's secrecy.
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Last updated: 2025/11/04 05:53