Anathematize

/əˈnæθəməˌtaɪz/ verb

Definition

To formally curse, condemn, or exclude someone from a religious community as punishment for heresy or wrongdoing.

Etymology

From Greek anatithenai 'to set up or dedicate' combined with anathema meaning 'curse.' The suffix -ize makes it a verb meaning 'to treat as' or 'to subject to.'

Kelly Says

Martin Luther was anathematized by the Pope in 1521—the Church declared him cursed and kicked him out, which actually boosted the Protestant Reformation by making him a martyr figure.

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