# pharisaism

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfaɹ.ɪˌseɪ.ɪz.(ə)m/

## Definitions
1. The doctrines and practices, or the character and spirit, of the Pharisees.
2. Rigid observance of external forms of religion without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion; a censorious, self-righteous spirit in matters of morals or manners.

## Etymology
From Late Latin Pharisaismus, from Pharĭsaeus (“Pharisee”) + -ismus (“-ism”); compare French Pharisaïsme, Italian Fariseismo (archaic), farisaismo.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pharisaism