hillul hashem

noun

hil·​lul ha·​shem

ḵə̇¦lülhəˈshām

plural -s

: an act in contravention of Jewish religious or ethical principles that is regarded as an offense to God compare kiddush hashem

Word History

Etymology

Hebrew ḥillūl hashshēm desecration of the name (of God)

The Ultimate Dicitonary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now