euphemize
(redirected from euphemizes)Also found in: Thesaurus.
Related to euphemizes: euphemistic, euphemising
euphemize
to substitute a mild expression for one thought to be offensive: using to pass air instead of to fart
Not to be confused with:
euthanize – put to death painlessly or allow to die rather than to suffer from an incurable and painful condition: The vet had to euthanize my terminally ill cat.
Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree
eu·phe·mize
(yo͞o′fə-mīz′)v. eu·phe·mized, eu·phe·miz·ing, eu·phe·miz·es
v.tr.
To speak of or refer to by means of a euphemism.
v.intr.
To use euphemisms.
eu′phe·miz′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
euphemize
(ˈjuːfɪˌmaɪz) oreuphemise
vb
to speak in euphemisms or refer to by means of a euphemism
ˈeupheˌmizer, ˈeupheˌmiser n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
eu•phe•mize
(ˈyu fəˌmaɪz)v.t. -mized, -miz•ing.
to refer to by means of euphemism.
v.i. [1855–60; < Greek euphēmízein to use words of good omen]
eu′phe•miz`er, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
euphemize
Past participle: euphemized
Gerund: euphemizing
| Imperative |
|---|
| euphemize |
| euphemize |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Verb | 1. | euphemize - refer to something with a euphemism |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
euphemize
verbTo use evasive or deliberately vague language:
Idioms: beat about the bush, mince words.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
euphémiser