anathema
UK: əˈnæθəmə | US: əˈnæθəmə
n. 1. A formal curse by a religious authority; something or someone intensely disliked or loathed.
n. 2. A thing or person regarded as irredeemably evil or dangerous.
anathema = ana<up, against> + thema<something set down>
- ana (Greek origin): Meaning "up," "against," or "back." In this context, it implies opposition or separation.
- thema (Greek origin): Derived from tithenai ("to set or place"), meaning "something set down" (e.g., a decree or offering).
Etymology Origin:
Originally, anathema in Greek referred to a votive offering "set up" (e.g., in a temple) to the gods. Over time, in Christian ecclesiastical use, it evolved to signify something "set apart" for divine condemnation—a curse or excommunication. The shift from "sacred offering" to "accursed thing" reflects the duality of separation: either consecrated or rejected.
The radical idea was treated as anathema by conservative scholars.
In medieval times, heresy could result in an anathema from the Church.
To him, dishonesty was absolute anathema.
The dictator declared the rebel leader an anathema to the state.
Modern technology is anathema to some traditional communities.