anti-mason: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (historical/specific context)Formal, historical, political
Quick answer
What does “anti-mason” mean?
A person who is opposed to Freemasonry or its principles and membership.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is opposed to Freemasonry or its principles and membership.
Historically, a member of a 19th-century American political movement (the Anti-Masonic Party) that opposed the influence and secrecy of Freemasons; more broadly, anyone opposed to Masonic lodges, rituals, or perceived elitism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American in its historical political sense (Anti-Masonic Party, 1828–1840). In British English, it might be used descriptively for someone opposed to Freemasonry but without the specific historical party association.
Connotations
US: Strong historical/political connotation; often associated with populism, conspiracy theories, and religious opposition to secret societies. UK: More likely a descriptive term of personal or religious stance against Freemasonry.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary use in both varieties; primarily encountered in historical texts or discussions of conspiracy theories.
Grammar
How to Use “anti-mason” in a Sentence
be + anti-Masondescribe someone as anti-Masonthe anti-Masons argued thatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anti-mason” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The pamphlet was clearly written by an ardent anti-Mason.
- He was labelled an anti-Mason for his vocal criticisms of the local lodge.
American English
- William Wirt was the Anti-Masonic Party's presidential candidate in 1832.
- The disappearance of William Morgan galvanised the anti-Masons in New York.
adjective
British English
- She held strong anti-Mason views, influenced by her church.
- The article presented an anti-Mason perspective on the charity's origins.
American English
- Anti-Mason sentiment swept through rural areas after the Morgan affair.
- They published anti-Masonic literature questioning the group's loyalty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or sociological studies of 19th-century America or anti-secret society movements.
Everyday
Very rare; might appear in discussions of conspiracy theories or niche religious groups.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anti-mason”
- Using lowercase incorrectly when referring to the historical party (Anti-Masonic).
- Confusing it with being against stonemasons (the trade).
- Overusing in modern contexts where 'critical of Freemasonry' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, especially when used as a compound adjective or noun (e.g., anti-Mason activist). When capitalised as part of the historical party name, it is 'Anti-Masonic'.
No, it exclusively refers to opposition to the fraternal organisation of Freemasonry. The trade is 'stonemasonry' or 'bricklaying', so opposition to that would be phrased differently (e.g., 'opposed to stonemasons').
No, the original Anti-Masonic Party dissolved in the late 1830s. Its legacy is historical, though some small, modern groups may use similar rhetoric.
A 'non-Mason' is simply someone who is not a Freemason, with no implied opposition. An 'anti-Mason' actively opposes Freemasonry on principle.
A person who is opposed to Freemasonry or its principles and membership.
Anti-mason is usually formal, historical, political in register.
Anti-mason: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænti ˈmeɪsən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænti ˈmeɪsən/ or /ˌæntaɪ-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) secretive as a Mason (to an anti-Mason)”
- “to cry anti-Masonry (historical: to raise alarm about Masonic influence)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ANTI-MASON = Against the Masonic lodge, like being anti-establishment.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS WAR (anti-Masonic 'crusade', 'fight against Masonry').
Practice
Quiz
What primarily fuelled the 19th-century anti-Mason movement in the United States?