anathematize

American  

[uh-nath-uh-muh-tahyz] / əˈnæθ ə məˌtaɪz /

especially British, anathematise

verb (used with object)

anathematized, anathematizing

1. to pronounce an anathema against; denounce; curse.

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verb (used without object)

anathematized, anathematizing

1. to pronounce anathemas; curse.

anathematize British  

/ əˈnæθɪməˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to pronounce an anathema (upon a person, etc); curse

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Other Word Forms

• anathematization noun
• anathematizer noun
• deanathematize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of anathematize

1560–70; (< Middle French ) < Late Latin anathematizāre to put under the ban, curse, detest < Greek anathematízein to bind by a curse, make accursed, equivalent to anathemat- (stem of anáthema ) + -izein -ize

Example Sentences

It is to Mr. Hale’s great credit that he refuses to anathematize the prodigal children in his book.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Should we anathematize communication with half the population?

From Washington Post • Dec. 31, 2020

This became another reason to anathematize Golden Books, which were for decades shunned by library buyers.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2017

To devote to destruction; to imprecate misery or evil upon; to curse; to execrate; to anathematize.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

This latter published the Henoticon, but expressly refused to anathematize the council of Chalcedon; on which account the rigid Eutychians separated themselves from his communion, and were called Acephali, or, without a head.

From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban