noun
blasphemy
BLAS-fuh-mee/ˈblæsfəmi/
Speech or conduct showing serious disrespect toward something sacred or deeply valued.
The observer is dismayed by the person's blasphemy toward the sacred book.
Etymology
Greek blasphēmia covered speaking ill or slandering as well as impious speech. The sacred sense focuses that offense on God or holy things; the Greek word’s first element remains uncertain.
In context
appointment to his great office by God himself a king whose acts cannot be criticized without blasphemy
More examples
- The scholar studies historical trials for blasphemy.
- To devoted fans, changing the original ending was blasphemy.
- The disputed passage was denounced as a blasphemy.
Forms
blasphemy · blasphemies