anathema

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 See also 1.4 References

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Late Latin anathema (“‘curse, person cursed, offering’”) from Ancient Greek ἀνάθεμα (anathema), “‘something dedicated, especially dedicated to evil’”) from ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi), “‘I set upon, offer as a votive gift’”) from ἀνά (ana), “‘upon’”) + τίθημι (tithēmi), “‘I put, place’”). The Ancient Greek term was influenced by Hebrew חרם (herem), leading to the sense of "accursed," especially in Ecclesiastical writers.

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈnæθɛmə/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

anathema (plural anathemas)

1. A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, often accompanied by excommunication; denunciation of anything as accursed.
2. An imprecation; a curse; a malediction.
   • 2002, Joseph O'Conner, Star of the Sea, Vintage 2003, p. 30:

     That was a curse form which no flight was possible: the anathema of a man who had once known holiness.

3. Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.

[edit] Derived terms

• anathematic
• anathematise
• anathematism

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• bête noire

[edit] References

New Advent: The Catholic on-line encyclopedia.