Definition of anathema Anathema

/ʌnæˈθʌmʌ/ - [unathumu] - a•nath•e•ma

We found 12 definitions of anathema from 6 different sources.

What does anathema mean?

Noun Plural: anathemata
anathema - a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
		execration, condemnation, curse the object of cursing or detestation; that which is execrated
anathema - a detested person; "he is an anathema to me"
		bete noire

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anathema (Noun)
A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, often accompanied by excommunication; denunciation of anything as accursed.
anathema (Noun)
An imprecation; a curse; a malediction.
anathema (Noun)
Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.

anathema (n.)
A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, and accompanied by excommunication. Hence: Denunciation of anything as accursed.
anathema (n.)
An imprecation; a curse; a malediction.
anathema (n.)
Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.

anathema
A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, and accompanied by excommunication.
anathema
Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.

anathema
an-ath′em-a, n. a solemn ecclesiastical curse or denunciation involving excommunication: any person or thing anathematised: generally, any imprecation or expression of execration.—n. Anathematisā′tion—v.t. Anath′ematise, to pronounce accursed.—Anathema maranātha, as in 1 Cor. xvi. 22; maranatha (Syr. māran ethā, 'our Lord hath come') is properly a mere solemn formula of confirmation, like Amen, having no other connection with the antecedent anathema—it is so printed in the Revised Version.—It seems to have been used by the early Christians as a kind of watchword of mutual encouragement and hope. So the words in 1 Cor. xvi. 22 are nearly equivalent to the similar expressions in Phil. iv. 5; Rev. xxii. 20. [The classical Gr. anathēma meant a votive offering set up in a temple, ana, up, tithenai, to place; the anathĕma of the Septuagint and New Testament meant something specially devoted to evil, as in Rom. ix. 3.]