the use of words or phrases in a sense opposite to the usual one, as for ironic effect
Origin of antiphrasisClassical Latin ; from Classical Greek ; from anti-, against + phrazein, to speak
The use of a word or phrase in a sense contrary to its normal meaning for ironic or humorous effect, as in a mere babe of 40 years.
Origin of antiphrasisLate Latin, from Greek, from antiphrazein, to express by the opposite : anti-, anti- + phrazein, to speak; see phrase.
(countable and uncountable, plural antiphrases)
anti- + phrasis