bacchanalianism
|bac-cha-na-li-an-ism|
/ˌbækəˈnæliənɪzəm/
orgiastic revelry; excessive, drunken indulgence
Etymology
'bacchanalianism' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Bacchanalia', which itself refers to rites of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine (from Greek 'Bakkhos').
'Bakkhos' (Greek) became Latin 'Bacchus' and the plural/ritual form 'Bacchanalia'; from late Latin/Medieval Latin this passed into English as 'bacchanalia' and then formed the adjective 'bacchanalian' and the noun 'bacchanalianism'.
Initially it referred specifically to the religious festivals of Bacchus ('Bacchanalia'), but over time it broadened to mean any orgiastic revelry or excessive, drunken indulgence.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; orgiastic revelry or drunken, riotous partying.
The novel criticizes the bacchanalianism of the aristocracy during that era.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the rites or festival of Bacchus (historical): an ancient Roman or Greek revel or festival associated with wine and ecstatic celebration.
Ancient historians wrote about the bacchanalianism that accompanied certain religious festivals.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 13:10