Definitions

1. verb

to replace a mild or neutral term with a harsher or more emotive one, especially in order to avoid offense

“The author was accused of dysphemizing certain groups by using derogatory language in her novel.”

2. noun

the act or practice of replacing a mild or neutral term with a harsher or more emotive one

“The use of dysphemism in modern language has led to controversy and debate among linguists.”