/ rɪˈlɪdʒən; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of them :
Is there always a conflict between science and religion?
2.
[ C ] one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or gods :
the Jewish religion
Christianity, Islam and other world religions
The law states that everyone has the right to practise their own religion.
3.
[ sing. ] a particular interest or influence that is very important in your life :
For him, football is an absolute religion.
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IDIOMS
- get religion
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (originally in the sense life under monastic vows ): from Old French , or from Latin religio(n-) obligation, bond, reverence, perhaps based on Latin religare to bind.