Making the Connection

blasphemy

An irreverent utterance or action showing a disrespect for sacred things or for God.

chieftain

The leader of a clan, tribe, or group.

conspiracy

An evil, treacherous, or unlawful plan formulated in secret between two or more people to commit a subversive action or plot.

desecration

When something sacred is treated in a profane or damaging manner.

fanatical

Extreme enthusiasm, frenzy, or zeal about a particular belief, as in politics or religion.

heresy

The willful, persistent act of adhering to an opinion or belief that rejects or contradicts established teachings or theories that are traditional in philosophy, religion, science, or politics.

heretic

From the Greek hairetikos, meaning "able to choose." Someone who does not conform or whose opinions, theories, or beliefs contradict the conventional established teaching, doctrines, or principles, especially that of religion.

insurrectionist

Someone who is in rebellion or revolt against an established authority, ruler, or government.

leprous

From the Greek, lepros, meaning "scale." Something resembling the symptoms of or relating to the disease of leprosy, which covers a person's skin with scales or ulcerations.

magus

A priest, wizard, or someone who is skilled or learned, especially in astrology, magic, sorcery, or the like.

metaphysical

Relating to abstract thought or the philosophical study of the nature of existence and truth.

philanthropy

From the Greek philanthropos, meaning "humane," and from philos, meaning "loving." An affection or desire to help improve the spiritual, social, or material welfare of humanity through acts of charity or benevolence.

shapeshift

Someone or something that is able to change form or shape.

subversive

To cause the ruin or downfall of something or to undermine or overthrow principles, an institution, or a government.

supernatural

Relating to or pertaining to God or the characteristics of God; a deity or magic of something that is above and beyond what is normally explained by natural laws.

transmutation

The act of transforming or changing from one nature, form, or state into another.