blasphemy

noun

blas·​phe·​my ˈblas-fə-mē 

plural blasphemies

1

a

: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or to something sacred

accused of blasphemy

… to question the revered figures of orthodox religion … may still raise the serious public charge of blasphemy and heresy …

—Paul Kurtz

b

: something said or done that is disrespectful to God or to something sacred

condemned by the church for uttering blasphemies

2

: irreverence toward something deemed important or inviolable

considers it blasphemy to put pineapple on pizza

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between blasphemy and heresy?

Blasphemy, in a religious sense, refers to great disrespect shown to God or to something holy, or to something said or done that shows this kind of disrespect; heresy refers a belief or opinion that does not agree with the official belief or opinion of a particular religion. Both words are also sometimes used in general, not necessarily religious, contexts.

What is the verb form of blasphemy?

The verb form of blasphemy is blaspheme, as in "those who blaspheme God." It comes to English from the Late Latin word blasphemare.

Does blasphemy have to be spoken?

Although in certain senses of the word it may be more common to use blasphemy in reference to speech, it may also be applied to writing. The word has broadened in meaning beyond "the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God"; it is now also used with the meaning "irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable."

Synonyms of blasphemy

• sacrilege
• desecration
• violation
• cursing
• impiety
• corruption
• profanation
• irreverence

Examples of blasphemy in a Sentence

She was condemned by the church for uttering blasphemies.

In the 17th century the Quakers were persecuted for beliefs and practices that older churches regarded as blasphemies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pakistan has seen a significant spike in blasphemy cases in recent years, in line with the TLP's rise. —NPR, 24 Oct. 2025

The European Parliament has twice called for Yahaya’s release, asking Nigeria to set an example by abolishing the blasphemy laws under which he has been detained for over five years. —Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Yes, all this is whimsical blasphemy. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025

Many societies in the past have linked swearing to blasphemy or sin. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see blaspheme

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

blasphemy

noun

blas·​phe·​my ˈblas-fə-mē 

plural blasphemies

: great disrespect shown to God or to sacred persons or things

blasphemous

-məs

adjective

blasphemously adverb

blasphemousness noun

Legal Definition

blasphemy

noun

blas·​phe·​my ˈblas-fə-mē 

plural blasphemies

: the crime of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or a religion and its doctrines and writings and especially God as perceived by Christianity and Christian doctrines and writings

Note: In many states, blasphemy statutes have been repealed as contrary to the First Amendment.