blaspheme

[blas-feem, blas-feem]

verb (used with object)

blasphemed, blaspheming 

1. to speak impiously or irreverently of (God or sacred things).

2. to speak evil of; slander; abuse.

verb (used without object)

blasphemed, blaspheming 

1. to speak irreverently of God or sacred things; utter impieties.

blaspheme

/ blæsˈfiːm /

verb

1. (tr) to show contempt or disrespect for (God, a divine being, or sacred things), esp in speech

2. (intr) to utter profanities, curses, or impious expressions

Other Word Forms

• blasphemer noun
• unblasphemed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blaspheme¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Late Latin blasphēmāre, from Greek blasphēmeîn “to speak profanely,” derivative of blásphēmos blasphemous

Word History and Origins

Origin of blaspheme¹

C14: from Late Latin blasphēmāre , from Greek blasphēmein from blasphēmos _blasphemous

Synonym Study

See curse.

Example Sentences

A woman has been burnt to death by a mob in northern Nigeria's Niger state after she was accused of blaspheming against Prophet Muhammad, police have said.

From BBC

In September 2023, a Muslim woman was sentenced to two years' prison for blaspheming Islam, after she posted a viral TikTok video where she said an Islamic phrase before eating pork.

From BBC

To “see the opening ceremony completely blaspheme and mock the Christian faith with their interpretation of ‘The Last Supper’ was disgusting,” she said in a video.

From Los Angeles Times

In some videos, people can be heard chanting that those who blaspheme must be beheaded.

From BBC

The latest victim was a Muslim stoned to death in June after being accused of blaspheming Islam during an argument at a market.

From Seattle Times