ˈyüfəˌmizəm, -f ə mˌi- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek euphēmismos, from euphēmos auspicious, sounding good (from eu- + -phēmos, from phēmē speech, from phanai to say) + -ismos -ism — more at -phemia
1. : the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive word or expression for one that is harsh, indelicate, or otherwise unpleasant or taboo : allusion to an offensive thing by an inoffensive expression — contrasted with dysphemism
2. : a polite, tactful, or less explicit term used to avoid the direct naming of an unpleasant, painful, or frightening reality (as pass away for die; underprivileged for poor )