anathematize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency in everyday use)Formal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “anathematize” mean?
To formally curse or denounce someone or something, often from a position of authority, especially a religious one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To formally curse or denounce someone or something, often from a position of authority, especially a religious one.
To vehemently condemn, reject, or declare something to be evil or unacceptable. The action carries a sense of solemn and severe disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic difference. Spelling: British uses '-ise', American uses '-ize' (but 'anathematize' is the dominant spelling in both due to its etymology). British English may be slightly more likely to use the variant 'anathematise'.
Connotations
Equally formal and strong in both varieties. Primarily associated with historical/religious discourse in both cultures.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical/literary writing due to the influence of the Church of England's history.
Grammar
How to Use “anathematize” in a Sentence
[Subject] + anathematize + [Direct Object: person/idea]It + be + anathematized + as + [noun phrase]The council + voted to + anathematize + [Direct Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anathematize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The synod voted to anathematise the teachings of Arius.
- He was publicly anathematised as a heretic.
American English
- The council moved to anathematize the proposed doctrine.
- Modern critics often anathematize the entire genre as trivial.
adverb
British English
- He spoke anathematisingly of his rivals.
- The edict was phrased anathematically.
American English
- She condemned the bill anathematizingly.
- The review was written in an anathematizing tone.
adjective
British English
- The anathematised text was removed from the canon.
- She felt anathematised by her former colleagues.
American English
- He gave an anathematizing speech against the policy.
- The anathematized proposal never regained support.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might be used hyperbolically: 'The CEO anathematized the old software system during the meeting.'
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and political theory texts to describe formal denunciations.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used for dramatic, often ironic effect: 'My mother anathematized my choice of career.'
Technical
Specific to theology and ecclesiastical history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anathematize”
- Incorrect: 'They anathematized on him.' (Correct: 'They anathematized him.')
- Confusing it with 'anesthetize'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'condemn' or 'criticize' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word primarily used in historical, theological, or literary contexts.
'Anathematize' is a much stronger, more formal, and often ritualistic type of condemnation, implying a curse or formal expulsion. 'Condemn' is a general term for strong disapproval.
The direct noun is 'anathematization'. The related, more common noun is 'anathema', which means the person or thing that is cursed or the formal act of cursing.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically in secular contexts to mean 'to vehemently reject or denounce', but this usage remains formal and dramatic.
To formally curse or denounce someone or something, often from a position of authority, especially a religious one.
Anathematize is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Anathematize: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnæθ.ə.mə.taɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnæθ.ə.mə.taɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not applicable – word itself is rarely used idiomatically)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A NAtional THEologian MAtes with...' but he actually EXcommunicates them. The 'ex-' sound is in the '-ize' ending – he puts them out.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION/EVIL IS A CURSE (a verbal act places the target outside the realm of the good/safe).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'anathematize' MOST appropriately used?