euhemerism
(often initial capital letter) the theory of Euhemerus that the mythologies of various gods arose out of the deification of dead heroes.
the theory that mythology is derived from history.
Origin of euhemerism
1Other words from euhemerism
- eu·he·mer·ist, noun
- eu·he·mer·is·tic, adjective
- eu·he·mer·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use euhemerism in a sentence
Taurus (the bull) was euhemeristically conceived to be a king of Crete who carried off the Tyrian princess as prize of war.
The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911) | Charles Mills Gayley
British Dictionary definitions for euhemerism
/ (juːˈhiːməˌrɪzəm) /
the theory that gods arose out of the deification of historical heroes
any interpretation of myths that derives the gods from outstanding men and seeks the source of mythology in history
Origin of euhemerism
1Derived forms of euhemerism
- euhemerist, noun
- euhemeristic, adjective
- euhemeristically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse