euphemism
[ yoo-fuh-miz-uh m ]
/ ˈyu fəˌmɪz əm /
noun
the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
Origin of euphemism
OTHER WORDS FROM euphemism
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH euphemism
euphemism euphuismWords nearby euphemism
eupatrid,
eupen and malmédy,
eupepsia,
eupeptic,
euphausiid,
euphemism,
euphemize,
euphonia,
euphonic,
euphonious,
euphonium
Example sentences from the Web for euphemism
British Dictionary definitions for euphemism
euphemism
/ (ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm) /
noun
an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate
the use of such inoffensive words or phrases
Derived forms of euphemism
euphemistic, adjective euphemistically, adverbWord Origin for euphemism
C17: from Greek
euphēmismos, from
eu- +
phēmē speech
Cultural definitions for euphemism
euphemism
[ (yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ]
An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. The Nazis used euphemism in referring to their plan to murder the world's Jews (see also Jews) as “the Final Solution.”