Definition
邪教 refers to a religious sect or group that is officially labeled as harmful, illegal, or socially dangerous — the term carries strong negative connotations in Chinese law and public discourse. It is not a neutral descriptor like 'cult' in English; in China it is a legal term used by authorities to designate banned organizations (e.g., Falun Gong). The word is also used more loosely to mean 'heresy' or 'false teachings' in a moral sense.
n.
cult (officially designated as harmful or illegal)heresyfalse religious doctrine
Examples
- 邪教。Zhèngfǔ yánlì dǎjī xié jiào zǔzhī.The government cracks down hard on cult organizations.
- 邪教,。Tā wù rù xié jiào, hòulái zhōngyú xǐngwù le.He was led astray into a cult, but later finally came to his senses.
- 邪教。Zhè bù jìlùpiàn jiēlù le xié jiào de piàn rén shǒuduàn.This documentary exposes the deceptive methods of the cult.
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