Definition

1. Verb:
   • To formally curse someone or something; to declare something to be evil, detestable, or accursed.
   • To pronounce an ecclesiastical curse upon; to excommunicate or denounce vehemently.

Usage

• The verb "anathematize" is a formal and strong term, often used in religious or solemn contexts to express severe condemnation. It implies an official or authoritative pronouncement of a curse or denunciation.
• It is typically used with a direct object (e.g., to anathematize a person, a doctrine, or a practice).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The council voted to anathematize the heretical teachings.
  • The prophet anathematized the corrupt practices of the city.
  • They were anathematized by the church for their rebellion.

Advanced Usage

• "to anathematize someone/something as...": to declare someone or something to be a particular type of evil or abomination.
  • The leader anathematized the new law as a tool of oppression.
• The act of anathematizing is the imposition of an anathema, which is a formal curse or a thing or person that is intensely disliked.

Variants and Related Words

• Anathematise (verb): The British English spelling variant of "anathematize."
• Anathema (noun): The formal curse or the person/thing that is cursed. This is the root noun from which the verb is derived.
  • His ideas were considered anathema to the traditional values.
• Anathematize (verb): A less common variant with the same meaning as "anathematize."

Synonyms

• Curse: To invoke evil or misfortune upon.
• Execrate: To feel or express great loathing for.
• Denounce: To publicly declare to be wrong or evil.
• Excommunicate: To officially exclude someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.

Antonyms

• Bless: To confer or invoke divine favor upon.
• Praise: To express warm approval or admiration.
• Sanctify: To set apart as or declare holy.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To pronounce/declare anathema upon": A phrase with a meaning very similar to "to anathematize," emphasizing the formal declaration.
  • The bishop pronounced anathema upon the schismatics.
• "To lay an anathema on": An older phrasing meaning to place a curse upon.
  • The ancient text laid an anathema on anyone who defiled the tomb.

Verb

1. curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment