herodism

Noun capitalized: Herodism

Herodism (uncountable)

1. The killing of unwanted people, especially children.
   • In 1702 he wrote in opposition to prevalent intolerance a phamphlet entitled "The shortest way with Dissenters," in which he counselled the violent and total extinction of all who differed with the state-sanctioned creed. He was, of course, out-Heroding Herod to mock Herodism : but his imitation...1877, The Lancing College Magazine - Issue 2, page 554
   • I understand that the mothers often would be willing to rear their daughters; but the fathers, who have supreme control in their families, insist upon getting rid of useless mouths and choke their infant babes to death, the mothers readily acquiescing. Equeesik, one of our hunters on the sledge...1881, William Henry Gilder, Schwatka's Search: Sledging in the Arctic in Quest of the Franklin Records, page 247
2. (obsolete) Indulgence in or worship of worldly spectacle and power rather than that which is good or worthy.
   • The target of defamation has been hurled from the pulpit and every rostrum upheaved to foster indolence and selfish principality of power. This mock heroism, or Herodism, is disgusting and sickening to a soul capable of finding worth outside of the world's pomp .and glitter, — outside of her...1870, Marigolds by the Wayside; Or, The Prose and Poetry of Life, page 91
   • And they have taken especial pains to remind us that 'it is God who worketh in men both to will and to do of His good pleasure,' and to warn against the Nebuchadnezzarism and Herodism of taking credit to ourselves for the fruits of the Divine energy.1906, The New York Observer - Volume 84, page 335
3. A political stance of allowing domination by a more powerful country, usually in order to preserve some level of control rather than being vanquished.
   • The author understands the person, society, and culture as three aspects of a unique phenomenon, which are dialectically relationed and, presently, are in contradiction; this scheme configures a revolutionary situation affecting the Latín American man (alienated by herodism, exploitation and...1969, Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Serie monografias - Issue 2; Issues 4-8; Issues 10-20, page 21
   • Having re- embraced "Herodism," post-war Japan learned from the U.S. while under its control and was reborn as an economic power.2000, Journal of Japanese Trade & Industry - Volume 19, page 18