Collins English-English Dictionary

religion [rɪ'lɪʤən]

1. 1. n belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. 2. n any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief

   the Christian religion

3. 3. n the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. 4. n [chiefly RC Church] the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns

   to enter religion

5. 5. n something of overwhelming importance to a person

   football is his religion

6. 6. n [archaic] the practice of sacred ritual observances

7. 7. n sacred rites and ceremonies

8. 8. n [Etymology] C12: via Old French from Latin religio fear of the supernatural, piety, probably from religare to tie up, from re- + ligare to bind