English Explanatory Dictionary

euhemerization

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The fanciful invention of plausible historical figures and events as an attempt to rationalize mythology and legends
  2. an instance of this
  3. Synonym of deification: the actual creation of mythology and legends from historical figures and events; (countable) an instance of this.

Pronunciation

/juˌhiməɹɪzˈeɪʃən/ /juːˌhiːməɹɪzˈeɪʃən/

Word forms

euhemerization euhemerizations euhemerisation

Etymology

From euhemerize + -ation, ultimately from Latin Euhēmerus, from Ancient Greek Εὐήμερος (Euḗmeros), an ancient Greek Sicilian Skeptic who proposed most or all mythology derived from historical figures and natural events which received supernatural characteristics only through retelling.

Synonyms

deification rationalization & pseudohistory
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