[ 'ju:fəmɪz(ə)m ]
■ noun a mild or less direct word substituted for one that is harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Derivatives
euphemistic adjective
euphemistically adverb
euphemize or euphemise verb
Origin
C16: from Gk euphēmismos , from euphēmizein 'use auspicious words', from eu 'well' + phēmē 'speaking'.