View synonyms for euphemism

euphemism

[ yoo-fuh-miz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.”

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

euphemism

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 .”

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Derived Forms

ˌeupheˈmistic, adjective
ˌeupheˈmistically, adverb

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Other Words From

euphe·mist noun
euphe·mistic euphe·misti·cal eu·phe·mi·ous [yoo-, fee, -mee-, uh, s], adjective
euphe·misti·cal·ly eu·phemi·ous·ly adverb
uneu·phe·mistic adjective
uneu·phe·misti·cal adjective
uneu·phe·misti·cal·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Greek euphēmismós “use of words of good omen,” from eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) “speaking, fame” + -ismos -ism

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Word History and Origins

Origin of euphemism¹

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

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Example Sentences

Critics say "remigration" is simply a euphemism for an overtly racist mass deportation plan.

From BBC

Whether Gifford is throwing out ribald euphemisms or Kotb's inspirational quotes are being derailed, the show’s pure magnetism is obvious and unrivaled.

From Salon

While “repatriation” is sometimes used as a euphemism for deportations, in the context of the 1930s schemes it was used to convince Mexican Americans, citizens or not, to leave the United States voluntarily.

From Salon

The media has deployed every euphemism imaginable to describe the former president’s public usage of bad words like ****, **** and ****.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than call out the dangerous lunacy in plain view, the Times has chosen to engage in tortured euphemisms.

From Salon

euphausiid euphemize

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