Definition of Euphemism

1. Noun. An inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh.


Definition of Euphemism

1. n. A figure in which a harsh or indelicate word or expression is softened; a way of describing an offensive thing by an inoffensive expression; a mild name for something disagreeable.

Definition of Euphemism

1. Noun. The use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive or less vulgar than the word or phrase it replaces. ¹

2. Noun. A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Euphemism

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Euphemism

eupepsies
eupepsy
eupeptic
eupeptide
eupeptide bond
eupeptides
euphane
euphausid
euphausids
euphausiid
euphausiids
euphemise
euphemised
euphemises
euphemising
euphemism (current term)
euphemisms
euphemist
euphemistic
euphemistical
euphemistically
euphemists
euphemize
euphemized
euphemizer
euphemizers
euphemizes
euphemizing
euphenic
euphenics

Literary usage of Euphemism

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Journal of Theological Studies (1900)
"[i Sam. iii 13], but the Scripture has employed euphemism. Of the same class is, Why hast thou set me as a mark for thee, so that I am a burden to myself ..."

2. Words and Their Ways in English Speech by James Bradstreet Greenough, George Lyman Kittredge (1901)
"CHAPTER XXI euphemism DECENCY and propriety are powerful forces in changing the ... The origins of euphemism, then, are to be sought not in our complex ..."

3. Progressive Exercises in English Composition by Richard Green Parker (1850)
"A euphemism is a kind of periphrasis, used to avoid the harshness or impropriety ... Same in a euphemism. He was drunk. He had indulged himself in liquor. ..."

4. Language in the Making: A Word Study by Wilhelmina M. Thoma (1922)
"euphemism — poetry in language in survival of old ideas — reflection of race ... ANOTHER phase in the conventionality of language, euphemism, common to all ..."

5. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"... as in the case of James II, can assume an implied abdication which the monarch had no intention of executing, the term being a euphemism for deposition. ..."

6. A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant: Embracing English, American, and Anglo by Charles Godfrey Leland (1889)
"... used as a euphemism for "bloody." Of the same class are "darn it!" "by golly I" "great Scott I " " Oh, that's b— rot I " quoth the disdainful ..."

Other Resources:

Search for Euphemism on Dictionary.com!Search for Euphemism on Thesaurus.com!Search for Euphemism on Google!Search for Euphemism on Wikipedia!