Anathema

A·nath·e·ma

Anathema

n.

pl. Anathemas

  1. A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, and accompanied by excommunication. Hence: Denunciation of anything as accursed.
    [They] denounce anathemas against unbelievers.
    — Priestley.
  2. An imprecation; a curse; a malediction.
    Finally she fled to London followed by the anathemas of both [families].
  3. Any person or thing anathematized, or cursed by ecclesiastical authority.
    The Jewish nation were an anathema destined to destruction. St. Paul . . . says he could wish, to save them from it, to become an anathema, and be destroyed himself.

Phrases & Compounds
Anathema Maranatha
an expression commonly considered as a highly intensified form of anathema. Maran atha is now considered as a separate sentence, meaning, “Our Lord cometh.” — 1 Cor. xvi. 22