Quick answer
Beshrew means to curse or blame; often used in old formulas such as “beshrew me”. It is usually pronounced bee-SHROO, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Beshrew
To beshrew means to curse or blame; often used in old formulas such as “beshrew me”. It belongs to shakespearean and stagey words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
shakespeareanstageydramatic
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you beshrew, you to curse or blame; often used in old formulas such as “beshrew me”. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Beshrew feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Beshrew is generally traced to an old English curse formula. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Beshrew is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- “Beshrew thee,” cried the actor, shaking a gloved finger.
- The novel preserves several old oath formulas, including beshrew.
- She muttered, in mock-tragic style, “Beshrew this weather.”
- Modern readers usually meet beshrew in older plays.
When should you use this word?
Use beshrew when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
curse, damn, blame, denounce
Opposite or contrasting words
bless, praise, forgive
Common questions
- What does beshrew mean? To curse or blame; often used in old formulas such as “beshrew me”.
- How do you pronounce beshrew? It is commonly pronounced bee-SHROO.
- Is beshrew still used today? Beshrew is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use beshrew? Use beshrew when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to beshrew? Similar words include curse, damn, blame, and denounce.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.