blaspheme

American  

[blas-feem, blas-feem] / blæsˈfim, ˈblæs fim /

verb (used with object)

blasphemed, blaspheming

1. to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things).

2. to speak evil of; slander; abuse.

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verb (used without object)

blasphemed, blaspheming

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

blaspheme British  

/ 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

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Synonym Usage

See curse.

Other Word Forms

• blasphemer
  noun
• unblasphemed
  adjective

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.