euphemism

eu·phe·mism (yf-mzm)

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun

1.

euphemism – an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh neutralisation, neutralization – (euphemism) the removal of a threat by killing or destroying it (especially in a covert operation or military operation) locution, saying, expression – a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations; “pardon the expression” exit, expiration, going, passing, departure, release, loss – euphemistic expressions for death; “thousands mourned his passing” collateral damage – (euphemism) inadvertent casualties and destruction inflicted on civilians in the course of military operations sanitation department – the department of local government responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage bowel movement, bm, movement – a euphemism for defecation; “he had a bowel movement” making water, passing water, wetting, leak – a euphemism for urination; “he had to take a leak” dysphemism – an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one; “his favorite dysphemism was to ask for axle grease when he wanted butter”