BLASPHEMOUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does blasphemous mean? 

• BLASPHEMOUS (adjective)
  The adjective BLASPHEMOUS has 2 senses:

1. grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred

2. characterized by profanity or cursing

  Familiarity information: BLASPHEMOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BLASPHEMOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred

Synonyms:

blasphemous; profane; sacrilegious

Context example:

it is sacrilegious to enter with shoes on

Similar:

irreverent (showing lack of due respect or veneration)

Derivation:

blasphemy (blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Characterized by profanity or cursing

Synonyms:

blasphemous; blue; profane

Context example:

profane words

Similar:

dirty ((of behavior or especially language) characterized by obscenity or indecency)

Derivation:

blasphemy (blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred))

 Context examples 

That sounds blasphemous.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Item, that upon brother Ambrose reproving him for this blasphemous wish, he did hold the said brother face downwards over the piscatorium or fish-pond for a space during which the said brother was able to repeat a pater and four aves for the better fortifying of his soul against impending death.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)