anathema
Pluralanathemas (some meanings), anathemata (some meanings)
- 1Something that a person dislikes very strongly and cannot stand.
Waking up early on a Sunday is anathema to my brother.
To a careful saver like my grandma, buying things on credit was anathema.
UsageUsually be anathema to someone: buying on credit is anathema to her.
Similarbugbear
Note
- 2A serious curse, especially an official one from a church, which may also shut someone out of the church.
The bishop read out an anathema against the man who had stolen from the church.
Long ago, church councils sent out anathemas against people who taught ideas they rejected.
UsageMore than one is anathemas.
Similarcurse
Less common meaning
- 3A person or thing that a church has officially cursed.
Practice
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Origin
From Latin and Greek, where it first meant something offered to a god. Later it came to mean something cursed.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- The English word comes through Latin from Greek. en.wiktionary.org
- The word's original etymological meaning was something offered to a god. newadvent.org
- The meaning subsequently developed to include something cursed. en.wikipedia.org