anathematize, v.
(əˈnæθɪmətaɪz)
[a. Fr. anathématise-r, ad. L. anathematīzā-re (Augustine, Jerome), f. Gr. ἀναθεµατίζ-ειν, f. ἀναθέµατ-, stem of ἀνάθεµα: see anathema and -ize. By-forms neglecting the Gr. stem were anathemize and anathemate = med.L. anathemā-re.]
1. trans. To pronounce an anathema against, to consign to Satan, to curse. Properly of formal cursing by ecclesiastics, whence extended to imprecation or malediction generally.
| 1566 T. Stapleton Ret. Untr. Jewel iv. 137 Unlesse within ten dayes..he doe anathematise and accurse..his wicked preaching and doctrine. 1611 Cotgr., Anathematiser, to anathematize, devote unto the devill. 1641 Milton Animadv. (1851) 205 Gold hath been anathematiz'd for the idolatrous use. 1699 Burnet 39 Art. xix. 185 He was anathematized by several of the succeeding Popes. 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. II. 422 ‘All heresies..anathematised by the church, I do likewise condemn, reject, and anathematise.’ 1838 Dickens Nich. Nick. x. (C.D. ed.) 79 Mr. Mantalini anathematising the stairs with great volubility. 1850 Kingsley Alt. Locke i. (1879) 9 Clergymen, who anathematize us for wandering into Unitarianism—you, you have driven us thither. |
2. absol. To utter anathemas, to curse.
| 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. II. iii. i. vi. 160 Well may mankind shriek, inarticulately anathematising as they can. 1847 Barham Ingol. Leg., How some begin to bless—some anathematize. |