athema

Atheme, or more commonly anathema, is a term found in English with meanings tied to prohibition, condemnation, and detestation. In older or variant spellings, athema can appear as a shortened or alternate form of the standard term anathema. The core concept originates in Greek, where the word denotes something set apart or devoted, often for ban or curses in religious contexts; in Christian usage it came to signify a formal ban, excommunication, or solemn condemnation.

Etymologically, the concept derives from Greek elements meaning to place up or again, with the idea of setting apart for a sacred or prohibited purpose. The Latin and later English forms crystallize into anathema as the dominant term. Today, athema is largely encountered as a historical or variant spelling; modern English generally uses anathema for both religious sanction and the broader figurative sense of something detested or shunned.

In usage, anathema can refer to a doctrinal or institutional prohibition issued by religious authorities, or more broadly to something regarded as utterly unacceptable or repugnant. Common modern usage includes phrases such as “anathema to” someone or a group, signaling strong disapproval. The word also appears as a proper noun in contemporary culture, notably as the name of a British metal band formed in the 1990s, illustrating the term’s transitional life from sacred designation to secular reference. See also anathema, excommunication, and taboo for related concepts.