resurrectionism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “resurrectionism” mean?
The practice of illegally exhuming corpses for dissection or the illicit trade in bodies for medical study.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of illegally exhuming corpses for dissection or the illicit trade in bodies for medical study.
A historical term for the act of body-snatching. Can be used metaphorically to describe a revival or resurgence of something thought to be dead or obsolete.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The historical event is more associated with British (particularly Scottish) history due to the Burke and Hare case. The term is understood but even less common in American historical contexts.
Connotations
Strongly negative historical connotation. Carries a macabre, gothic, or criminal tone.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties; mostly confined to historical or academic texts discussing the period.
Grammar
How to Use “resurrectionism” in a Sentence
the resurrectionism of + (specific place/era)resurrectionism for + (purpose, e.g., dissection)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resurrectionism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The resurrectionist gangs operated under cover of darkness.
- A resurrectionism scandal rocked the medical community.
American English
- Resurrectionist activities were a major problem for city authorities.
- The lecture covered resurrectionism laws.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, medical history, or criminology papers discussing the 18th-19th century anatomy trade.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used; would be replaced by 'grave-robbing' or 'body-snatching' if discussed.
Technical
A precise historical term for the specific criminal trade in corpses for anatomical schools.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resurrectionism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resurrectionism”
- Using it as a synonym for 'resurrection' (the religious or general concept).
- Using it in a positive context (e.g., 'the resurrectionism of jazz' is highly unconventional and confusing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'resurrectionism' specifically implies the body was taken for the purpose of anatomical dissection and sale to medical schools, whereas 'grave-robbing' could be for any reason (e.g., to steal burial goods).
It is strongly discouraged. The word has a very specific, negative historical meaning. Using it metaphorically is rare, stylistically jarring, and likely to confuse listeners. Use 'revival', 'resurgence', or 'comeback' instead.
The specific criminal practice it describes was largely ended by laws in the 19th century (like the UK's Anatomy Act of 1832) that provided legal means for medical schools to obtain cadavers. The term therefore became mostly historical.
'Resurrectionist' is the noun for the person who exhumes and sells the bodies (the body-snatcher). 'Resurrectionism' is the noun for the practice or trade itself.
The practice of illegally exhuming corpses for dissection or the illicit trade in bodies for medical study.
Resurrectionism is usually formal, historical in register.
Resurrectionism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛz.əˈrɛk.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛz.əˈrɛk.ʃən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RESURRECTION (bringing back to life) + ISM (a practice). It's the 'practice' of 'bringing bodies back' from the grave, not to life, but to the dissection table.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEFT IS A PERVERSION OF RELIGIOUS REBIRTH (stealing a body perverts the Christian idea of resurrection).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical and highly unconventional sense, a critic might accuse a filmmaker of 'artistic resurrectionism' for: