Blasphemy
/ˈblæsfimi/
nounIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.
/ˈblæsfimi/
nounnegativeIntermediate
General
His words constituted a clear act of blasphemy.
💡 Simply: Saying something disrespectful about God.
More Examples
2
The painting was accused of being blasphemy against the church.
How It's Used
Religious Studies
"The comedian's jokes were considered blasphemy by many in the audience."
Law
"In some countries, blasphemy is a crime punishable by law."
From Middle English blasfemie, from Old French blasfemie, from Late Latin blasphemia, from Greek blasphēmia, from blasphēmein "to speak evil of," from blasphos "injurious, hurtful" + phēmi "I speak."
Historically, blasphemy laws were used to suppress dissenting opinions and maintain religious orthodoxy.
Memory tip
Think 'blaspheme' - to speak irreverently of God.
Word Origin
LanguageGreek
Original meaning
"to speak evil of"
Base: blaspheme
act of blasphemycharge of blasphemyutter blasphemy
Common misspellings
blasphemeyblasfemmyblasphamy
Practice
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written