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blaspheme

[blas-feem, blas-feem]
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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.
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verb (used without object), blas·phemed, blas·phem·ing.
  1. to speak irreverently of God or sacred things; utter impieties.
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Origin of blaspheme

1300–50; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Late Latin blasphēmāre < Greek blasphēmeîn to speak profanely, derivative of blásphēmos blasphemous
Related formsblas·phem·er [blas-fee-mer, blas-fee-, -fuh-] /blæsˈfi mər, ˈblæs fi-, -fə-/, nounun·blas·phemed, adjective

Synonym study

1. See curse.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for blasphemers

Historical Examples

  • He was stern with blasphemers, whose lips he caused to be branded with a hot iron.

    The Story of Paris

    Thomas Okey

  • He and they were scoffers and blasphemers and professed infidels.

    Will Weatherhelm

    W.H.G. Kingston

  • Alkmeenon is no longer holy, because it has been desecrated by blasphemers.

    Jewels of Gwahlur

    Robert E. Howard

  • He would drive these blasphemers from the sacred precincts of the temple.

    Iconoclasts

    James Huneker

  • That the blasphemers are not Christians is shown by the clause "which was called upon you."

British Dictionary definitions for blasphemers

blaspheme

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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Derived Formsblasphemer, noun

Word Origin

C14: from Late Latin blasphēmāre, from Greek blasphēmein from blasphēmos blasphemous
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for blasphemers

blaspheme

v.

mid-14c., from Old French blasfemer "to blaspheme" (14c., Modern French blasphémer), from Church Latin blasphemare (also in Late Latin "revile, reproach"), from Greek blasphemein "to speak lightly or amiss of sacred things, to slander," from blasphemos "evil-speaking" (see blasphemy). A reintroduction after the original word had been worn down and sense-shifted to blame. Related: Blasphemed; blaspheming.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper