Pronunciation: [hˈiːθənˌa͡ɪzd] (IPA) 
The word "heathenised" may seem difficult to spell at first glance, but it follows a common pattern in English. The "ea" in "heathen" is pronounced as /i:/, while the "en" ending takes on a schwa sound /ən/. The suffix "-ise" indicates a verb in British English, meaning to convert someone to a heathen religion or way of life. So, the pronunciation of "heathenised" is /ˈhiːðənaɪzd/ and it means to make heathen or pagan.
Heathenised is a term used to describe the process or state of being heathen or pagan in nature or practice. It refers to the transformation or adaptation of someone or something to heathen beliefs, customs, or rituals. The word is derived from the adjective heathen, which traditionally refers to someone who does not follow a mainstream or accepted religion, particularly in the context of Christianity.
When a person or community is heathenised, they have adopted or incorporated heathen beliefs, practices, or customs into their religious or cultural framework. This may involve the worship of multiple gods or idols, the observation of rituals related to nature or natural phenomena, or the rejection of organized religion and adherence to indigenous spiritual traditions.
The term heathenised can also be used metaphorically to describe the process of secularization or the shift away from religious beliefs and practices. In this sense, it implies the abandonment or dilution of religious values or principles in favor of a more worldly or non-religious perspective.
Heathenised can be used in various contexts, such as anthropology, sociology, or religious studies, to describe the cultural, religious, or philosophical transformation of individuals or societies away from mainstream or established religious traditions.
The word "heathenised" is derived from the noun "heathen", which originally referred to someone who did not follow the Christian religion. It comes from the Old English word "hǣthen", meaning "not Christian" or "pagans" and related to the Old Norse "heiðinn" and German "heiden". The suffix "-ised" is added to form the past participle form of the verb "heathenize", meaning "to convert or be converted to heathenism" or "to adopt heathen customs or practices".
