blasphemy
blasphemy Lexical Profile
blasphemy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously or irreverently about God, sacred beings, or holy things.
"In medieval Europe, the ecclesiastical courts treated public blasphemy as a grave moral and legal offense."
Open disrespect or offensive speech directed toward something considered inviolable, deeply cherished, or beyond criticism in a secular or cultural context.
"Suggesting that the city replace its historic library with a parking lot was regarded as sheer blasphemy by local residents."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'blasphemy' with 'heresy' or 'sacrilege': blasphemy is irreverent speech or expression against God or sacred things, heresy is a formal belief or doctrine contrary to orthodox religious dogma, and sacrilege is the physical violation or misuse of a sacred object or place.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English blasphemie, via Old French and Ecclesiastical Latin blasphemia, ultimately from Ancient Greek blasphemia ('slander, profane speech'), derived from blasphemos ('evil-speaking').