original sin
noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery
Examples of original sin in a Sentence
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For Borzage, the original sin of mankind—of male-kind, rather—is violence, and violence is inseparable from the ordinary run of daily activity at all levels of society.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2024
In their hands, America’s original sin is settled by the wishful effort to wash the nation clean.
—Eddie S. Glaude Jr., TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original sin 
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2024
In their hands, America’s original sin is settled by the wishful effort to wash the nation clean.
—Eddie S. Glaude Jr., TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original sin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'original sin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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