Blasphemy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
blasphemy
[หblรฆsfษmi ]
Definitions
in religion
Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or sacred things.
Synonyms
irreverence, profanity, sacrilege.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blasphemy |
Used in a religious context to describe speech or actions that show disrespect or contempt for sacred things or deities. Often seen as a serious offense in many religious communities.
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| irreverence |
Describes a lack of respect for things generally considered worthy of respect. It doesn't necessarily have religious connotations and can be used in a broader sense.
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| sacrilege |
Specifically describes the violation or desecration of something considered holy or sacred. Often used in religious or cultural contexts.
|
| profanity |
Refers to vulgar or offensive language. Not limited to religious contexts, it can be used to describe any coarse or disrespectful speech.
|
Examples of usage
- His words were considered blasphemy by the religious community.
- She was accused of blasphemy for mocking the religious rituals.
in general
Blasphemy can also refer to any act or statement that shows disrespect or contempt towards something considered sacred or holy.
Synonyms
desecration, disrespect, sacrilege.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blasphemy |
Blasphemy is used when someone shows great disrespect for something sacred, especially religious beliefs or deities.
|
| disrespect |
Disrespect is a general term used to describe a lack of regard or esteem for someone or something, not necessarily sacred or religious.
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| desecration |
Desecration is appropriate when talking about an act that damages or disrespects something holy or respected, such as a sacred place or object.
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| sacrilege |
Sacrilege is used when someone violates or shows contempt for something that is considered holy or sacred, often used in religious contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- His criticism of the national flag was seen as blasphemy by some.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religion
- In many religions, being accused of blasphemy can lead to serious consequences, including punishment or excommunication.
- Different cultures have various interpretations of what constitutes blasphemy, often depending on local beliefs and values.
Law
- Several countries have laws against blasphemy, which can result in legal actions, including imprisonment.
- Such laws vary greatly in their application and the severity of their penalties across different nations.
Literature
- Blasphemy has been a theme in numerous works of fiction, often representing the struggle between personal beliefs and societal norms.
- Writers like James Joyce and Salman Rushdie have faced controversy for their portrayal of religious topics, leading to discussions about freedom of expression.
Cultural Impact
- Artistic expressions, such as paintings and songs, often face scrutiny and censorship when perceived as blasphemous.
- The term has emerged in contemporary discussions about cancel culture and the balance between respect for beliefs and freedom of speech.
Origin of 'blasphemy'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'blasphฤmia', which combines 'blasphemos' (slanderous) and 'phฤmฤ' (speech).
- The word has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily in religious contexts.
The word 'blasphemy' originated from the Greek word 'blasphemia', which means 'evil-speaking'. It has been used in religious contexts to refer to showing contempt for sacred things. Throughout history, blasphemy has been a controversial and often punishable offense in many cultures and religions.
See also: blaspheme, blasphemer, blasphemous.