noun

anathema

/əˈnæθəmə/ · say it: uh·NATH·uh·muh

something strongly disliked or rejected

In From the Opinion Pages

In more detail

1. (noun) something that someone strongly dislikes or opposes

2. (noun) a person who is rejected or condemned by a group or religion

Examples

Corruption is anathema to the principles of democracy.
In the early church, those who broke the rules were declared anathema.

How to use anathema

Anathema functions primarily in the phrase 'anathema to' when describing something strongly opposed or rejected by a person or group. It carries formal, emphatic weight and often implies moral or ideological opposition rather than mere dislike. The religious origins (excommunication) linger in its tone, making it more forceful than simple 'dislike' or 'opposition'.

Common phrases

anathema to
declare anathema
political anathema
absolute anathema

Synonyms

abomination · curse · bane · bugbear · pariah

Opposites

blessing · treasure · delight

Word family

anathematize (verb) · anathematic (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'anathema' as a standalone predicate (e.g., 'That idea is anathema') when 'anathema to' is the correct prepositional form ('That idea is anathema to our values').

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