heretic
UK: ˈhɛrətɪk | US: ˈhɛrətɪk
n. a person who holds beliefs contrary to the official teachings of a religion or ideology
n. (by extension) someone who challenges or rejects widely accepted doctrines or principles
The word heretic traces back to Greek hairetikos (able to choose), derived from hairesis (choice, sect). In early Christian contexts, it referred to those who "chose" unorthodox beliefs, later evolving into its modern sense of doctrinal defiance. The suffix -tic solidifies its role as a label for dissenters.
The church excommunicated him as a heretic for denying its core teachings.
Galileo was branded a heretic for advocating heliocentrism.
In science, being a heretic often precedes groundbreaking discoveries.
The regime silenced political heretics who opposed its ideology.
Her unconventional theories made her a heretic in academic circles.