blasphemy
UK: ˈblæs.fə.mi | US: ˈblæs.fə.mi
n. the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or sacred things
n. irreverent or impious speech or action
blasphemy = blasphem<evil speech> + y<noun suffix>
- blasphem (from Greek blasphēmos, "evil-speaking," combining blaptein "to harm" + phēmē "speech")
- y (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "blasphemy" traces back to Greek blasphēmia, meaning "evil speech" or "slander," particularly against the divine. It entered English via Old French blasfemie, retaining its core meaning of irreverence toward sacred matters. The morpheme blasphem preserves the original Greek notion of harmful speech, while the suffix -y abstracts it into a noun. Historically, blasphemy was a severe offense in religious contexts, reflecting the gravity of verbal sacrilege.
The writer was accused of blasphemy for criticizing religious doctrines.
In some countries, blasphemy laws restrict freedom of expression.
His mockery of the ritual was seen as an act of blasphemy.
Medieval punishments for blasphemy could be extreme.
The film sparked controversy over allegations of blasphemy.