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euphemism definition

eu·phe·mism (yo̵̅o̅′fə miz′əm)

noun

  1. the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
  2. a word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)

Etymology: Gr euphēmismos < euphēmizein, to use words of good omen < euphēmos, of good sound or omen < eu- (see eu-) + phēmē, speech< phanai, say: see ban

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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