Anathematize — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈna-thə-mə-ˌtīz/ anath·e·ma·tize

Meaning & Definition of Anathematize

Anathematize (verb)

  1. to pronounce an anathema upon

Anathematize (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to ask a divine power to send harm or evil upon

    "heretics anathematized by the church leaders"

    similar: beshrew (archaic), curse, imprecate, maledict
    related: condemn, damn, denounce, execrate, reprobate, hex, jinx, voodoo, dang, darn, dash, cuss (out), fulminate (against), rail (against), revile
    opposite: bless
    near: applaud, commend, congratulate

  2. to declare to be morally wrong or evil

    "fundamentalist preachers who anathematize any departure from a literal interpretation of the Bible"

    similar: censure, condemn, damn, decry, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate
    related: attack, blame, blast, criticize, dis (slang), dispraise, fault, knock, pan, slam, belittle, deprecate, disparage, doom, sentence, convict, blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize, castigate, chastise, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, admonish, chide, reprove, berate, lambaste, rake, scold, upbraid, vituperate, curse, imprecate, abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe, revile
    opposite: bless
    near: approve, endorse, sanction, eulogize, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, praise, acclaim, applaud, commend, hail, salute, tout, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, honor, revere, venerate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Anathematize

The most common words with a similar meaning to Anathematize:

Archaic: beshrew
curse, imprecate, maledict, censure, condemn, damn, decry, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Anathematize

Words with the opposite meaning of Anathematize:

bless

Related Words for Anathematize

hex, jinx, voodoo, dang, darn, dash, cuss (out), fulminate (against), rail (against), revile, attack, blame, blast, criticize, dis, dispraise, fault, knock, pan, slam, belittle, deprecate, disparage, doom, sentence, convict, blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize, castigate

Near Antonyms of Anathematize

applaud, commend, congratulate, approve, endorse, sanction, eulogize, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, praise, acclaim, hail, salute, tout, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, honor, revere, venerate

Word Forms of Anathematize

Inflections: anathematized, anathematizing

Origin & Etymology of Anathematize

First known use: 1566

Frequently Asked Questions about Anathematize

What does "Anathematize" mean?

"Anathematize" means to pronounce an anathema upon. As a verb, it is defined as: to pronounce an anathema upon. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Anathematize"?

Other words for "Anathematize" include beshrew, curse, imprecate, maledict, censure, condemn, damn and decry. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Anathematize" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Anathematize"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Anathematize". Common alternatives include beshrew, curse, imprecate, maledict, censure, condemn, damn, decry, denounce and execrate.

What is the opposite of "Anathematize"?

Antonyms of "Anathematize" include bless. Near antonyms include applaud, commend, congratulate and approve.

How do you use "Anathematize" in a sentence?

Examples of "Anathematize" in a sentence: "heretics anathematized by the church leaders"; "fundamentalist preachers who anathematize any departure from a literal interpretation of the Bible".

Is "Anathematize" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Anathematize" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Anathematize"?

"Anathematize" is pronounced /ə-ˈna-thə-mə-ˌtīz/ and divided into syllables as anath·e·ma·tize.

What is the origin of the word "Anathematize"?

First known use: 1566.