Anathema

Pronunciation

• IPA: /É™.ˈnæ.θɛ.mÉ™/

Origin

From Late Latin anathema ("curse, person cursed, offering"), from Ancient Greek ἀνάθεμα (anathema, "something dedicated, especially dedicated to evil"), from ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi, "I set upon, offer as a votive gift"), from ἀνά (ana, "upon") + τίθημι (tithēmi, "I put, place"). The Ancient Greek term was influenced by Hebrew חרם, leading to the sense of "accursed," especially in Ecclesiastical writers.

Full definition of anathema

Noun

1. A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, often accompanied by excommunication; something denounced as accursed.
2. By extension, something which is vehemently disliked by somebody.
3. An imprecation; a curse; a malediction.
• 2002, Joseph O'Conner, Star of the Sea, Vintage 2003, p. 30:That was a curse from which no flight was possible: the anathema of a man who had once known holiness.
4. Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.
• John LockeThe Jewish nation were an anathema destined to destruction.

Derived terms