Blaspheme: meaning, definitions and examples

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blaspheme

 

[ ˈblæs.fim ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in religion

To speak irreverently or profanely about God or sacred things.

Synonyms

curse, cuss, profane, swear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blaspheme

Used when speaking irreverently or disrespectfully about sacred things, especially in a religious context.

  • He was accused of blaspheming during the church service.
  • It's considered a grave sin to blaspheme in many religions.
profane

Describes actions or words that show disrespect toward something that is considered sacred or holy. It can also refer to vulgar or offensive behavior.

  • His profane remarks shocked the entire audience.
  • The movie was criticized for its profane content.
curse

Applied when speaking rudely or wishing harm upon someone. Often used in the context of expressing anger or frustration.

  • He cursed loudly when he hit his thumb with the hammer.
  • She cursed her luck when she missed the last train.
swear

Commonly used for making statements or oaths and also for using offensive language. The context can be either formal or informal.

  • She swore to tell the truth in court.
  • He swears a lot when he gets excited.
cuss

A more informal and colloquial term for using offensive words or phrases. It is often used in everyday conversation.

  • He tends to cuss a lot when he's angry.
  • Please try not to cuss in front of the children.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of blaspheming against the church.
  • The author was criticized for blaspheming in his novel.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To speak disrespectfully of or show irreverence for something considered sacred or inviolable.

Synonyms

defame, desecrate, disrespect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blaspheme

Used when showing disrespect or speaking irreverently about sacred things, especially in religious contexts.

  • He was accused of blaspheming against the church.
  • To blaspheme the name of God is considered a grave sin in many religions.
defame

Used when damaging someone's reputation through false statements, often in legal or formal settings.

  • She decided to sue the newspaper for defaming her character.
  • It is important to have evidence before making claims that could defame someone.
desecrate

Used when treating a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect.

  • The vandals were arrested for desecrating the cemetery.
  • He was horrified to see the sacred temple desecrated.
disrespect

Used in general situations when showing a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something.

  • Talking back to your teacher is a sign of disrespect.
  • She felt that his actions showed disrespect towards her work.

Examples of usage

  • She blasphemed the institution of marriage by saying she would never get married.
  • The artist was accused of blaspheming art traditions with his controversial piece.

Translations

Translations of the word "blaspheme" in other languages:

🇵🇹 blasfemar

🇮🇳 निंदा करना

🇩🇪 lästern

🇮🇩 menghujat

🇺🇦 богохулити

🇵🇱 bluźnić

🇯🇵 冒涜する (ぼうとくする)

🇫🇷 blasphémer

🇪🇸 blasfemar

🇹🇷 küfretmek

🇰🇷 모독하다

🇸🇦 يجدف

🇨🇿 rouhat se

🇸🇰 rúhať sa

🇨🇳 亵渎 (xièdú)

🇸🇮 preklinjati

🇮🇸 guðlast

🇰🇿 құдайға тіл тигізу

🇬🇪 ღმერთის გმობა

🇦🇿 tanrıya söymək

🇲🇽 blasfemar

Etymology

The word 'blaspheme' originated from the Greek word 'blasphemein', meaning 'to speak evil of'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The concept of blasphemy has been present in various religions and cultures throughout history, with the act of speaking irreverently about sacred things seen as a serious offense in many belief systems.

See also: blasphemer, blasphemous, blasphemy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,570, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.