[ˌænˈæθɪmə]

Definitions

1. noun

an object or thing that is shunned or detested; a person or thing that is strongly disliked or despised; a thing that is forbidden or prohibited

“The corrupt politician was declared an anathema by the community.”

2. noun

a formal curse or imprecation; a solemn and public declaration of a person’s or thing’s worthlessness or guilt

“The bishop pronounced the heretic an anathema, cutting him off from the community.”

3. noun

something that is abhorrent or repugnant

“The cruel treatment of the animals was an anathema to many in the audience.”

4. verb

to declare or decree something as an anathema; to curse or condemn something

“The king anathematized the rebels, threatening them with severe punishment.”