Also see definition of "anathema" in Bible Study Dictionaries
Word Study
anathema
CIDE DICTIONARY
anathema, n. [L. anath, fr. Gr. anything devoted, esp. to evil, a curse; also L. anath, fr. Gr. a votive offering; all fr. to set up as a votive gift, dedicate; up + to set. See Thesis.].
- A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, and accompanied by excommunication. Hence: Denunciation of anything as accursed. [1913 Webster]"[They] denounce anathemas against unbelievers." [1913 Webster]
- An imprecation; a curse; a malediction. [1913 Webster]"Finally she fled to London followed by the anathemas of both [families]." [1913 Webster]
- Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority. [1913 Webster]"The Jewish nation were an anathema destined to destruction. St. Paul . . . says he could wish, to save them from it, to become an anathema, and be destroyed himself." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
anathema, n. (pl. anathemas)
1 a detested thing or person (is anathema to me).
2 a a curse of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. b a cursed thing or person. c a strong curse.
1 a detested thing or person (is anathema to me).
2 a a curse of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. b a cursed thing or person. c a strong curse.
Etymology
eccl.L, = excommunicated person, excommunication, f. Gk anathema thing devoted, (later) accursed thing, f. anatithemi set up
THESAURUS
anathema
abhorrence, abomination, antipathy, arraignment, aversion, ban, bete noire, blame, blasphemy, bugbear, castigation, censure, commination, condemnation, curse, damnation, decrial, denouncement, denunciation, detestation, evil eye, excommunication, excoriation, execration, flaying, fulmination, fustigation, hate, hex, impeachment, imprecation, indictment, leper, malediction, malison, malocchio, outcast, pariah, peeve, pet peeve, phobia, pillorying, proscription, reprehension, reprobation, reproof, skinning alive, stricture, thundering, untouchable, whammyROGET THESAURUS
anathema
Malediction
N malediction, malison, curse, imprecation, denunciation, execration, anathema, ban, proscription, excommunication, commination, thunders of the Vatican, fulmination, maranatha, aspersion, disparagement, vilification, vituperation, abuse, foul language, bad language, strong language, unparliamentary language, billingsgate, sauce, evil speaking, cursing, profane swearing, oath, foul invective, ribaldry, rude reproach, scurrility, threat, more bark than bite, invective, cursing, cursed, Int, woe to!, beshrew!, ruat coelum!, ill betide, woe betide, confusion seize!, damn!, damn it!, damn you!, damn you to hell!, go to hell!, go to blazes!, confound!, blast!, curse!, devil take!, hang!, out with!, a plague upon!, out upon!, aroynt!, honi soit!, parbleu!, delenda est Carthago.Also see definition of "anathema" in Bible Study Dictionaries
For further exploring for "anathema" in Webster Dictionary Online
