Webster's English Dictionary

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anathema

anath.e.ma \*-'nath-*-m*\ n [LL anathemat-, anathema, fr. Gk, thing devoted 
   to evil, curse, fr.] anatithenai to set up, dedicate, fr. ana- + tithenai 
   to place, set - more at DO 1a: a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by 
   ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication 1b: the 
   denunciation of anything as accursed  1c: a vigorous denunciation : CURSE  
   2a: one that is cursed by ecclesiastical authority  2b: one that is 
   intensely disliked or loathed