v. [a. Fr. anathématise-r, ad. L. anathematīzā-re (Augustine, Jerome), f. Gr. ἀναθεματίζ-ειν, f. ἀναθέματ-, stem of ἀνάθεμα: see ANATHEMA and -IZE. By-forms neglecting the Gr. stem were ANATHEMIZE and ANATHEMATE = med.L. anathemā-re.]
1. trans. To pronounce an anathema against, to consign to Satan, to curse. Properly of formal cursing by ecclesiastics, whence extended to imprecation or malediction generally.
1566. T. Stapleton, Ret. Untr. Jewel, iv. 137. Unlesse within ten dayes … he doe anathematise and accurse … his wicked preaching and doctrine.
1611. Cotgr., Anathematiser, to anathematize, devote unto the devill.
1641. Milton, Animadv. (1851), 205. Gold hath been anathematiz’d for the idolatrous use.
1699. Burnet, 39 Art., xix. 185. He was anathematized by several of the succeeding Popes.
1796. Morse, Amer. Geog., II. 422. ‘All heresies … anathematised by the church, I do likewise condemn, reject, and anathematise.’
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., x. (C. D. ed.), 79. Mr. Mantalini anathematising the stairs with great volubility.
1850. Kingsley, Alt. Locke, i. (1879), 9. Clergymen, who anathematize us for wandering into Unitarianism—you, you have driven us thither.
2. absol. To utter anathemas, to curse.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., II. III. I. vi. 160. Well may mankind shriek, inarticulately anathematising as they can.
1847. Barham, Ingol. Leg. How some begin to bless—some anathematize.
