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