euphemism
Pronunciation: /ˈjuːfəmɪz(ə)m/
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Definition of euphemism
noun
- a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing:the jargon has given us ‘downsizing’ as a euphemism for cutsThe opposite of dysphemism.
Origin:
late 16th century: from Greek euphēmismos, from euphēmizein 'use auspicious words', from eu 'well' + phēmē 'speaking'