Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Anathema

DEFINITION:
Originally a Greek word that meant lifting something as an offering to the gods. The meaning has changed over time to virtually the opposite, including a curse (such as would be placed by a magician on another person) and part of the formula used by the Catholic church during the excommunication of a heretic. Other meanings include to be set apart, banished, exiled, or denounced.