Euphemism Definition

yo͝ofə-mĭzəm

euphemisms

noun

euphemisms

A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.

American Heritage

The use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another.

Webster's New World

A word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)

Webster's New World

The use of such terms.

American Heritage

The definition of a euphemism is a polite, vague word or phrase that is used in place of word or phrase that might be considered offensive, harsh, unpleasant or inappropriate to say.

An example of a euphemism is someone saying "passed away" instead of "died."

YourDictionary

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
nice-Nellyism
genteelism
affected refinement
overdelicacy of speech
word in good taste
verbal extenuation
metaphorical speech
indirection
prudishness
substitution
mock modesty
code word
polite term
softened expression
doublespeak

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
dysphemism

Other Word Forms of Euphemism

Noun

Singular:

euphemism

Plural:

euphemisms

Origin of Euphemism

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismos), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmizō), from εὔφημος (euphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eu, “well”) + φήμη (phēmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φάναι (phanai, “to speak, say”).

From Wiktionary
Greek euphēmismos from euphēmizein to use auspicious words from euphēmiā use of auspicious words eu- eu- phēmē speech bhā-² in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition