babylonism
|bab-y-lon-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˈbæbɪlənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæbɪlənɪz(ə)m/
Babylonian practices; decadent corruption
Etymology
'babylonism' derives from the place-name 'Babylon' + the English suffix '-ism'. 'Babylon' ultimately comes from Akkadian 'bāb-ilu' meaning 'gate of god'.
'Babylon' passed from Akkadian 'bāb-ilu' into Greek as 'Babylōn' and Latin as 'Babylon', then into English. The noun 'babylonism' was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ism' to refer to the practices or characteristics associated with Babylon.
Originally referring to the city or its native religion and customs, the term later acquired a figurative sense referring to excessive luxury, moral corruption, or chaotic excess associated with the image of Babylon.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the religion, culture, customs, or practices of ancient Babylon or the Babylonians.
Scholars of Mesopotamian history study babylonism to understand Babylonian ritual and law.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a figurative sense meaning extreme decadence, luxury, moral corruption, or confusion likened to the biblical or historical image of Babylon.
Critics condemned the city's nightclubs as signs of babylonism and moral decline.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 15:43