Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
spanish-inquisition
historical event
/ˈspæn.ɪʃ ˌɪn.kwɪˈzɪʃ.ən/
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Definition
The Spanish Inquisition was a judicial institution and system of religious persecution in Spain, established in 1478 to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in the kingdom.
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Examples
- The Spanish Inquisition led to thousands of trials and executions.
- Many people fled Spain to escape the fear of the Spanish Inquisition.
- The inquisitorial procedures used during the Spanish Inquisition were notorious for their severity.
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Meaning
It refers to the efforts by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, to root out heresy and enforce religious conformity, often using severe methods.
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Synonyms
- Inquisition
- Religious persecution
- Clerical tribunal