blasphemy
BLASS-fuh-mee
/ˈblæsfəmi/
The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane speech or action.
Focuses specifically on irreverent speech or action that insults sacred entities, as opposed to heresy, which involves holding wrong beliefs.
The story behind the word. Ancient Greeks created 'blasphemia' by combining 'blaptein' (to injure or damage) and 'pheme' (speech or reputation). It originally meant speaking ill of someone to ruin their reputation. In the Septuagint and New Testament, Greek translators applied the term specifically to utterances that defamed or insulted God.
Word relationships
- sacrilege: Sacrilege is physical violation of sacred objects, whereas blasphemy focuses primarily on spoken or written irreverence.
- profanity: Profanity refers to coarse or crude language generally, while blasphemy targets sacred or divine entities specifically.
- reverence: Reverence is deep respect and honor shown to sacred things.
- piety: Piety represents devout religious devotion and respect.
Commonly confused with
- heresy: Heresy is holding theological errors in belief; blasphemy is insulting God or sacred things in speech or act.
Word family
- blasphemous (adjective): Sacrilegious or profane.
- blaspheme (verb): To speak irreverently about God or sacred things.
- blasphemer (noun): A person who utters blasphemy.
Collocations
- utter blasphemy
- accused of blasphemy
- blasphemy laws
- pure blasphemy
Example sentences
- "The English Common Law historically classified blasphemy as an offense against the peace of the realm and divine majesty." Historical Legal Citation (Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765))
- "Adding ketchup to a slow-cooked Italian ragù was seen as culinary blasphemy by the master chef." Figurative Culinary Context
Memory hook
BLASTing someone's name with disrespect = BLASPHEMY. Injurious speech against the divine.
When not to use
Do not use for standard civil crimes or secular disrespect unless using deliberate figurative hyperbole.
Fun facts
- The English word 'blame' comes from the exact same Greek root 'blasphemia', filtered through Old French where it was shortened!
Related words
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