hierophant

hi·ero·phant

noun
\ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌfant, hī-ˈer-ə-fənt\

Definition of HIEROPHANT

1

: a priest in ancient Greece; specifically : the chief priest of the Eleusinian mysteries

2

a : expositor b : advocate 2

— hi·ero·phan·tic \ˌhī-(ə-)rə-ˈfan-tik, (ˌ)hī-ˌer-ə-\ adjective

Examples of HIEROPHANT

1. <as an early hierophant of birth control, Margaret Sanger had to face down often vehement opposition>

Origin of HIEROPHANT

Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantēs, from hieros + phainein to show — more at fancy

First Known Use: 1677

Related to HIEROPHANT

Synonyms: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, expounder, espouser, friend, gospeler (or gospeller), herald, exponent, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, protagonist, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, opponent

Related Words: loyalist, partisan (also partizan), stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; interpreter; applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler

Near Antonyms: enemy, foe, rival; belittler, critic, faultfinder

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Rhymes with HIEROPHANT

adamant, commandant, complaisant, confidant, confidante, cormorant, corposant, Corybant, covenant, dilettante, disenchant, gallivant, interplant, pitcher plant, power plant, rubber plant, spider plant, sycophant