anti-clerical
|an-ti-cler-i-cal|
/ˌæn.tiˈklɛr.ɪ.kəl/
against clerical influence
Etymology
'anti-clerical' originates from the combination of the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí', meaning 'against') and the adjective 'clerical' (from Medieval Latin 'clericalis', ultimately from Latin 'clericus' meaning 'clergyman' or 'of the clergy').
'clerical' developed from Latin 'clericus' and Old French 'clerc' (or 'clerk'), entering Middle English as 'clerk/cleric'; the compound with 'anti-' arose in the 19th century in political contexts (especially in Europe) as 'anti-clerical' or 'anticlerical'.
Initially it meant 'against clerics or clerical authority'; over time it has retained that core meaning but broadened to refer generally to opposition to institutional church power or to preference for secular governance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is opposed to the influence or authority of the clergy; often used of supporters of secularism or movements limiting church power.
Many anti-clericals in the 19th century campaigned for state control of schools and restrictions on church influence.
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Adjective 1
opposed to the influence, authority, or involvement of the clergy or organized religion in political or public life.
The party adopted an anti-clerical platform, arguing for secular control of education.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 00:08