We usually associate heretic with religion, namely, the Roman Catholic Church: Inquisition, burning people at the stake, etc.

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But with respect to the latter the burning of witches at the stake ended when the authorities stopped gratifying that desire.

FORBES: Still Burning Witches At The FCC

It is, if you like, simply easier to call out the mob with the burning brands in order to stake the vampire.

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Forget the idea of burning unsuccessful but honest executives and entrepreneurs at the stake.

FORBES: Magazine Article