blaspheme
Americanverb (used with object)
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to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things).
-
to speak evil of; slander; abuse.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to show contempt or disrespect for (God, a divine being, or sacred things), esp in speech
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(intr) to utter profanities, curses, or impious expressions
Related Words
See curse.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of blaspheme
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Late Latin blasphēmāre, from Greek blasphēmeîn “to speak profanely,” derivative of blásphēmos blasphemous
Explanation
To blaspheme is to say something offensive, specifically offensive to a religion. There are several types of blaspheming, but they usually involve saying things that are considered offensive to a religion or to a deity. If you say "Jesus Christ!" or "Good God!" when you stub your toe, some would consider that blaspheming.
Vocabulary lists containing blaspheme
Things Fall Apart
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The Secret Life of Bees
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Elijah of Buxton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Why be this Ink the Fount of Wit?—who dare Blaspheme the glistening Pen-drink as a snare?
From The Rubáiyát of a Persian Kitten by Herford, Oliver
"Blaspheme not the gods, Malchus," Giscon said gloomily; "you may be sure that the wreath of a conquering general will never be placed around your brow if you honour them not."
From The Young Carthaginian A Story of The Times of Hannibal by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
He made, and can unmake;900 And shall I, for a little gasp of breath, Blaspheme and groan?
From The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5 Poetry by Coleridge, Ernest Hartley
"Blaspheme not, Zouche!" said Thord; "Justice is the very eye of God!— the very centre and foundation of the universe."
From Temporal Power by Corelli, Marie
By anguish which made pale the sun, I hear him charge his saints that none Among the creatures anywhere Blaspheme against him with despair, However darkly days go on.
From The World's Best Poetry, Volume 3 Sorrow and Consolation by Carman, Bliss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
