(ˌ)anˌtänəˈmāzh(ē)ə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, from antonomazein to name instead (from anti- instead, against + onomazein to name, from onoma name) + -ia — more at anti- , name
1. : the substitution of another designation for a common, obvious, or normal one: as
a. : the use of an official title or an epithet in place of a proper name (as his honor for Judge Doe ) or ordinary appellative (as chief executive for the president )
b. : the use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (as a Solomon for a wise ruler ) ; also : the making of a common noun or verb from a proper name (as pasteurize from Pasteur )
2. : the giving of a proper name (as to a character in fiction) that names or suggests a leading quality (as Squire Allworthy, Doctor Sawbones )