The act of formally cursing, condemning, or excommunicating someone, especially in a religious context; expressing intense disapproval or rejection.
From 'anathematise' (British spelling; American 'anathematize'), derived from Greek 'anathema' (something devoted to evil, a curse). The term has been used since medieval times in religious and legal contexts.
When the Catholic Church was anathematising heretics and reformers, they didn't just disapprove—they formally declared you cursed and damned, separated from God and the faithful, a social death sentence worse than execution because your soul was supposedly damned forever.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.