blasphemy
pronunciation
How to pronounce blasphemy in British English:
UK [ˈblæsfəmi]
How to pronounce blasphemy in American English:
US ['blæsfəmɪ]
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- Noun:
- blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
- blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character
Word Origin
- blasphemy (n.)
- early 13c., from Old French blasfemie "blasphemy," from Late Latin blasphemia, from Greek blasphemia "a speaking ill, impious speech, slander," from blasphemein "to speak evil of." Second element is pheme "utterance," from PIE root *bha- (2) "to speak, tell, say" (see fame); first element uncertain, perhaps related to blaptikos "hurtful," though blax "slack (in body and mind), stupid" also has been suggested.
Example
- 1. But what beautiful , what necessary , blasphemy !
- 2. Transfusion was regarded as a form of blasphemy , to be avoided at all costs .
- 3. Two moderate politicians have been assassinated for advocating reform of the unjust blasphemy law .
- 4. As the head of the church thundered about blasphemy , the state arrested three of the women .
- 5. In theory , blasphemy is punishable by death-a penalty that has been handed down but never carried out .