euphemism
the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
Origin of euphemism
1Other words from euphemism
- eu·phe·mist, noun
- eu·phe·mis·tic, eu·phe·mis·ti·cal, eu·phe·mi·ous [yoo-fee-mee-uhs], /yuˈfi mi əs/, adjective
- eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, eu·phe·mi·ous·ly, adverb
- un·eu·phe·mis·tic, adjective
- un·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal, adjective
- un·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words that may be confused with euphemism
- euphemism , euphuism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use euphemism in a sentence
Even today, dog meat—euphemistically called “fragrant meat”—is still consumed in many rural areas.
China’s Dog-Dyeing Craze: Once Shunned, Pet Pooches Now Embraced | Melinda Liu | July 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTReturns made about the time show a large number of slaves—euphemistically disguised as servants in some cases.
The Mosaic law authorizes a father to sell his daughter for a concubine or mistress (euphemistically translated “maid servant”).
The Bible | John E. RemsburgSome, we are told euphemistically, in a state bordering upon that in which they entered the world.
From the North Foreland to Penzance | Clive HollandThey demanded that the power of Miloš should be limited by something which they euphemistically called "an organic regulation."
The Birth of Yugoslavia, Volume 1 | Henry Baerlein
Thus ended a second 'run home' (as those trips were euphemistically called) of a year each.
The 'Fan Kwae' at Canton Before Treaty Days 1825-1844 | William C. Hunter
British Dictionary definitions for euphemism
/ (ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm) /
an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate
the use of such inoffensive words or phrases
Origin of euphemism
1Derived forms of euphemism
- euphemistic, adjective
- euphemistically, adverb
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
Cultural definitions for euphemism
[ (yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ]
An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. The Nazis used euphemism in referring to their plan to murder the world's Jews (see also Jews) as “the Final Solution.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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