Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

converso

Noun
/kənˈvɜːr.soʊ/
Definition
A converso is a person who converted from one religion to another, particularly from Judaism to Christianity, especially during the Spanish Inquisition.
Examples
  • Many conversos faced persecution for their hidden beliefs.
  • The history of conversos is complex and deeply intertwined with the politics of religion.
  • Explorations of converso identity reveal a rich tapestry of cultural coexistence.
Meaning
The term is often used to refer to those Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity under duress but continued to practice their original faith in secret.
Synonyms
  • Convert
  • Renegade
  • Turncoat