euphemize

American  

[yoo-fuh-mahyz] / ˈyu fəˌmaɪz /

especially British, euphemise

verb (used with object)

euphemized, euphemizing

1. to refer to by means of euphemism.

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verb (used without object)

euphemized, euphemizing

1. to employ euphemism.

euphemize British  

/ ˈjuːfɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to speak in euphemisms or refer to by means of a euphemism

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• euphemization
  noun
• euphemizer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of euphemize

First recorded in 1855–60, euphemize is from the Greek word euphēmízein to use words of good omen. See euphemism, -ize

Explanation

To euphemize is to refer to something bad or offensive in softer, vaguer terms: in other words, with a euphemism. Euphemisms are words that cushion the blow of reality, allowing us to avoid an unpleasant word or topic. Saying passed away instead of died is using a euphemism, which can also be called euphemizing. People euphemize about topics that are difficult to talk about, such as sex and death. When politicians started calling civilian deaths collateral damage, that was a classic case of euphemizing. When we euphemize, we avoid harsh words with softer — and often deceptive — terms.