lese majesty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Legal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “lese majesty” mean?
An offence against the sovereign power in a state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An offence against the sovereign power in a state; treason.
Insulting behaviour or speech that shows a lack of respect for someone in authority, or for an established institution or idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'lese majesty' (without diacritics) is standard in both varieties. The British spelling 'lèse-majesté' (with accents) is also common.
Connotations
In the US, it is more likely to be used in its extended, figurative sense. In the UK, due to the monarchy, the term retains a stronger association with its original legal meaning.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly more recognisable in British contexts due to historical and ongoing relevance of monarchy.
Grammar
How to Use “lese majesty” in a Sentence
to commit lese majesty [against X]to be charged with lese majestya case of lese majestyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lese majesty” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The journalist faced lese-majesty charges for the article.
American English
- His comments were seen as a lese majesty act against the institution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'Questioning the CEO's strategy was considered corporate lese majesty.'
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or legal texts discussing sovereignty and dissent.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific legal term in jurisdictions with monarchy or similar laws protecting heads of state.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lese majesty”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lese majesty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lese majesty”
- Misspelling: 'lease majesty', 'leze majesty'. Incorrect part of speech: using it as a verb (e.g., 'He lese-majestied the king').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal term used primarily in specific legal, historical, or literary contexts.
Yes, figuratively. It can describe a profound disrespect shown towards any powerful authority figure, institution, or deeply held belief.
It comes from the Latin 'laesa majestas', meaning 'injured majesty'. It entered English via French as 'lèse-majesté'.
It is pronounced like 'lays' or 'lezz', rhyming with 'phase' or 'fez'. The standard pronunciation is /leɪz/.
An offence against the sovereign power in a state.
Lese majesty is usually formal, legal, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a kind of cultural lese majesty to criticise the founding father's legacy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Lay Ze Majesty' → to lay (place) disrespect upon majesty (royal authority).
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS AN ATTACK ON THE BODY OF THE STATE / DISRESPECT IS A PHYSICAL INSULT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'lese majesty' in its original, legal sense?