Langimage
English

blaspheme

|blas-pheme|

C1

/blæsˈfiːm/

speak irreverently

Etymology
Etymology Information

'blaspheme' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'blasphēmein,' where 'blaptein' meant 'to injure' and 'phēmē' meant 'reputation.'

Historical Evolution

'blasphēmein' transformed into the Latin word 'blasphemare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'blaspheme' through Old French 'blasfemer.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to speak ill of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to speak irreverently about God or sacred things.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to speak irreverently about God or sacred things.

He was accused of blaspheming against the church.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/11 10:06