blaspheme

[ blas-feem, blas-feem ]

verb (used with object)

, blas·phemed, blas·phem·ing.

1. to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things).
2. to speak evil of; slander; abuse.

verb (used without object)

, blas·phemed, blas·phem·ing.

1. to speak irreverently of God or sacred things; utter impieties.

blaspheme

/ blæsˈfiːm /

verb

1. tr to show contempt or disrespect for (God, a divine being, or sacred things), esp in speech
2. intr to utter profanities, curses, or impious expressions

Derived Forms

• blasˈphemer, noun

Other Words From

• blas·phem·er [blas-, fee, -mer, blas, -fee-, -f, uh, -], noun
• un·blas·phemed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blaspheme¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Late Latin blasphēmāre, from Greek blasphēmeîn “to speak profanely,” derivative of blásphēmos blasphemous

Word History and Origins

Origin of blaspheme¹

C14: from Late Latin blasphēmāre , from Greek blasphēmein from blasphēmos blasphemous

Synonym Study

See curse.

Example Sentences

Her new single, “Pieta,” is something you can worship and blaspheme at the same time.

From The Daily Beast

French philosopher Bernard Henri Levy has been a staunch defender of the right to offend and blaspheme--when it comes to Islam.

From The Daily Beast

“The interrogator was making fun of religion and trying to get me to blaspheme and so on, to give up on God,” she recalled.

From The Daily Beast

And didn't we fight for centuries to win the right to blaspheme, and to do so freely?

From The Daily Beast

Suppose I do not laugh back at you, do not blaspheme you, do not curse you.

From Project Gutenberg

One poor outcast woman lay huddled up on the floor by the fire, too drunk to sit, but not too drunk to blaspheme.

From Project Gutenberg

It says, "we are holy and inspired; if you speak against us you blaspheme God, for we are his children."

From Project Gutenberg

Don't blaspheme against heaven again, or compare yourself with the Creator, for then you remind me of Caesar at home.

From Project Gutenberg

He appears to us at first as very cautious, very desirous of giving the adversary no occasion to blaspheme.

From Project Gutenberg