Anathema
noun /əˈnæθɪmə/ — Something vehemently detested — or formally cursed.
Definition
Something or someone greatly detested or loathed; a formal curse by a pope or council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.
Beyond the definition
Anathema started as a technical religious term — the formal excommunication, the casting out. It carries that full weight into ordinary use: to call something anathema is to reject it not merely personally but with the force of a complete condemnation. Some people use it loosely (I hate beetroot); others use it correctly (compromise is anathema to a purist).
Origin & history
From Greek anathema 'a thing devoted to evil, a curse' — from ana 'up' + tithenai 'to place'. In early Christian use it meant something offered up to God; in later use, something offered to destruction.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The very idea of lying was anathema to her — she'd been raised in a house where honesty was its own religion.
Mediocrity is anathema to a perfectionist, and perfection is anathema to anyone trying to finish.
In the 16th century, printing the Bible in English was anathema — then it became mandatory.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Anathema” when the meaning fits your context: Something or someone greatly detested or loathed; a formal curse by a pope or council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.
Synonyms
abhorrence, bane, curse, damnation, taboo
Antonyms
blessing, praise, approval
Related words
Anathema vs abomination
Anathema implies an intense, formal aversion or public rejection of a specific idea or practice. Abomination describes a more visceral, sickening reaction to something considered morally abhorrent.
Questions about this word
What does "Anathema" mean?
Anathema is noun meaning: Something vehemently detested — or formally cursed.. Something or someone greatly detested or loathed; a formal curse by a pope or council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.
Where does the word "Anathema" come from?
From Greek anathema 'a thing devoted to evil, a curse' — from ana 'up' + tithenai 'to place'. In early Christian use it meant something offered up to God; in later use, something offered to destruction.