noun
Meaning 1
The replacement of a word or phrase with another by way of euphemism to avoid a cultural taboo (e.g. because the older word has become vulgar, or due to the belief that mentioning a dangerous creature's name may cause that creature to appear).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: human-sciences, linguistics, sciences
Examples
- It is believed that Slavic *medvědь (“bear”, literally “honey-eater”) replaced an earlier word because of taboo avoidance.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided