| Library / English Dictionary |
EUPHEMISM
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
An inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("euphemism" is a kind of...):
expression; locution; saying (a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations)
Domain member usage:
neutralisation; neutralization ((euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation))
departure; exit; expiration; going; loss; passing; release (euphemistic expressions for death)
collateral damage ((euphemism) inadvertent casualties and destruction inflicted on civilians in the course of military operations)
sanitation department (the department of local government responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage)
bm; bowel movement; movement (a euphemism for defecation)
leak; making water; passing water; wetting (a euphemism for urination)
asleep; at peace; at rest; deceased; departed; gone (dead)
Antonym:
dysphemism (an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one)
Derivation:
euphemistic (of or the nature of euphemism)
euphemize (refer to something with a euphemism)
