ETYM Latin anathema, from Greek, anything devoted, esp. to evil, a curse; also Latin anathema; ana up + stellein to set. Related to Thesis.
1. A detested person; SYN. bete noire.
2. A formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication.
3. Curse, generally by ecclesiastical authorities; act of cursing; thing cursed; object of hatred.
4. Something that is shunned or cursed. The word is used in the Christian church in excommunication.