Janus word

noun

: contronym

"Deliberate speed" signals clear intent and resolution, but also a lack of haste. That makes the phrase not quite a classic "Janus word," one whose two meanings are directly opposite (sanction, for instance, meaning both to punish and to privilege).

—Ruth Walker, Christian Science Monitor, 17 July 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

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