Cainism
/ˈkeɪ.nɪ.zəm/noun
The doctrine or practice associated with Cain, especially as a symbol of fratricide, rebellion, or moral evil.
Did you know?Cainism is a real English formation from Cain, the biblical fratricide, plus -ism, and its whole force comes from turning a person into a symbol of murder, exile, and cursed identity.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Antiquity
Hebrew
Qayin
“Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve in Genesis”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kain
“Cain, as rendered in Greek biblical tradition”
Late Latin
Latin
Caim
“Cain, in biblical and theological Latin usage”
Middle English
English
Cain
“The biblical name, associated with fratricide and exile”
19th Century
English
Cainism
“Doctrine, attitude, or characterization derived from Cain, especially one implying murderous or fratricidal evil”