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

1650–60; < Greek euphēmismós the use of words of good omen, equivalent to eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) speaking, fame + -ismos -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM euphemism

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH euphemism

euphemism euphuism

Words nearby euphemism

eupatrid, eupen and malmédy, eupepsia, eupeptic, euphausiid, euphemism, euphemize, euphonia, euphonic, euphonious, euphonium

British Dictionary definitions for euphemist

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, adverb

Word Origin for euphemism

C17: from Greek euphēmismos, from eu- + phēmē speech

Cultural definitions for euphemist

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.”