Culture & Beliefs
Verb
assign to a source
Most pirate bon mots like "walk the plank" and "shiver me timbers" can be ascribed to the 1950s Disney movie "Treasure Island."
Adjective
likely to give rise to public disagreement
An Indiana bill would require doctors to tell pregnant women about a controversial theory that says having an abortion could lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Verb
expose the falseness of an idea or belief
After the death of his mother in 1920 Houdini turned his efforts to debunking self-proclaimed psychics and mediums, exposing frauds that had successfully fooled many scientists.
Noun
underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs of a society
A pharmaceutical company in India has stopped supplying a key lethal injection drug to U.S. states, saying that it cherished the "ethos of Hinduism."
Verb
deceive or trick someone
U.S. scam artists are using the worries about radiation exposure from Japan to hoodwink people into hoarding potassium iodide tablets.
Verb
kill as a sacrifice, especially by burning
Sati was a religious funeral practice among some Hindu communities in which a recently widowed woman immolates herself, voluntarily or by force, on her husband’s funeral pyre.
Noun
place that attracts many visitors
The Abbey Road zebra crossing, described as a mecca for Beatles fans, has been given Grade II listed status, meaning it is recognized as nationally important and of special interest.
Adjective
feeling or expressing sorrow for sin or wrongdoing
Haven't been to confession lately? Grab your iPhone. Confession: A Roman Catholic App is designed to help the penitent prepare to bare their sins.
Noun
head of the Roman Catholic Church
Pope Benedict says that he would not hesitate to become the first pontiff to resign willingly if he felt himself incapacitated.
Noun
means by which or the degree to which progress is made
The end is nigh! Harold Camping has predicted that the Rapture will be on May 21st, and his prophecy has gained traction among believers, as well as the people mocking it.