religion
noun
rɪˈlɪdʒən 
rɪˈlɪdʒən 
1 [uncountable] the belief in the existence of a god or gods, and the activities that are connected with the worship of themIs there always a conflict between science and religion?2 [countable] one of the systems of faith that are based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or godsthe Jewish religionChristianity, Islam and other world religionsThe law states that everyone has the right to practise their own religion.3 [singular] a particular interest or influence that is very important in your lifeFor him, football is an absolute religion.Idioms
get religion
(informal, disapproving) to suddenly become interested in religion
Usage note: ReligionBeing religiousbelieve in God/Christ/Allah/free will/predestination/heaven and hell/an afterlife/reincarnationbe/become a believer/an atheist/an agnostic/a Christian/Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist, etc.convert to/practise/(especially US) practice a religion/Buddhism/Catholicism/Christianity/Islam/Judaism, etc.go to church/(North American English) temple (= the synagogue)go to the local church/mosque/synagogue/gurdwarabelong to a church/a religious communityjoin/enter the church/a convent/a monastery/a religious sect/the clergy/the priesthoodpraise/worship/obey/serve/glorify GodCelebrations and ritualattend/hold/conduct/lead a serviceperform a ceremony/a rite/a ritual/a baptism/the Hajj/a mitzvahcarry out/perform a sacred/burial/funeral/fertility/purification ritego on/make a pilgrimagecelebrate Christmas/Easter/Eid/Ramadan/Hanukkah/Passover/Diwaliobserve/break the Sabbath/a fast/Ramadandeliver/preach/hear a sermonlead/address the congregationsay/recite a prayer/blessingReligious texts and ideaspreach/proclaim/spread the word of God/the Gospel/the message of Islamstudy/follow the dharma/the teachings of Buddharead/study/understand/interpret scripture/the Bible/the Koran/the gospel/the Torahbe based on/derive from divine revelationcommit/consider something heresy/sacrilegeReligious belief and experienceseek/find/gain enlightenment/wisdomstrengthen/lose your faithkeep/practise/practice/abandon the faithsave/purify/lose your soulobey/follow/keep/break/violate a commandment/Islamic law/Jewish lawbe/accept/do God's willreceive/experience divine graceachieve/attain enlightenment/salvation/nirvanaundergo a conversion/rebirth/reincarnationhear/answer a prayercommit/confess/forgive a sindo/perform penance