Anathema

usgb/əˈnæθəmə/
noun

Something or someone that one greatly dislikes or is strongly against.

Racism is anathema to her.
Visual representation of "anathema" - Something or someone that one greatly dislikes or is strongly against.

Often appears as...

  • be anathema to
  • consider something anathema

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "anathema"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Strong Dislike

Use 'anathema' to express a very strong aversion or negative feeling towards something.

Illustration for Strong Dislike
Dishonesty is anathema to him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Moral Opposition

It is often used to emphasize a principled opposition to something, not just a personal preference.

Illustration for Moral Opposition
Child labor is anathema to our organization's values.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Intensity Emphasis

'Anathema' indicates a level of intensity that is greater than a simple dislike.

Illustration for Intensity Emphasis
Corruption should be anathema to every citizen.
Visual representation of the word "Anathema"

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