Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred: Showing profound disrespect or contempt for God, a deity, or something considered sacred or inviolable.
   • Characterized by profanity or cursing: Involving or using language that shows disrespect for sacred things.

Usage

The word "blasphemous" is used to describe actions, speech, or writings that show a lack of reverence for religious beliefs, figures, or objects considered holy. It is a strong term implying offense against religious sensibilities.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The artist's depiction of a religious figure was considered blasphemous by many believers.
  • He was accused of making blasphemous statements during the sermon.
  • The act of desecrating the altar was seen as deeply blasphemous.

Advanced Usage

• "blasphemous act": An action that shows gross irreverence for the sacred.
  • Vandalizing the temple was a blasphemous act that shocked the community.
• "blasphemous speech": Language that profanes what is held sacred.
  • The law prohibited blasphemous speech against the state religion.

Variants and Related Words

• Blasphemy (noun): The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things.
  • He was charged with blasphemy for his writings.
• Blasphemer (noun): A person who commits blasphemy.
  • The blasphemer was ostracized from the village.

Synonyms

• Sacrilegious: Involving or committing sacrilege; violating or profaning something sacred.
• Profane: Treating religious things with disrespect.
• Irreverent: Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.

Antonyms

• Pious: Devoutly religious.
• Reverent: Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
• Devout: Having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A blasphemous thought": A thought considered deeply disrespectful to religious beliefs.
  • Even having such a blasphemous thought made her feel guilty.
• "To commit blasphemy": To utter or act in a blasphemous manner.
  • In some countries, it is a crime to commit blasphemy.

Adjective

1. characterized by profanity or cursing
   • foul-mouthed and blasphemous
   • blue language
   • profane words
2. grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
   • blasphemous rites of a witches' Sabbath
   • profane utterances against the Church
   • it is sacrilegious to enter with shoes on