euphemism

1. (uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another one that is more offensive, blunt or vulgar.Examples: "Akin to it [litotes] is euphemism, which may be applied to the same purpose."; "In 1946, George Orwell addressed the relationship of language to reality and suggested that euphemism, not imperfect analogy, was the real danger. If we don’t use shocking language to describe a shocking circumstance, can we truly recognize what is happening?"uncountable

2. (countable) A word or phrase that replaces another in this way.Examples: "When it is said of the martyr St. Stephen, that “he fell asleep,” instead of—he died, the euphemism partakes of the nature of metaphor, intimating a resemblance between sleep and the death of such a person."; "Euphemistic language turns up in many areas of American life in a variety of situations. Not all euphemisms are alike, but they have one thing in common: They obscure meaning rather than enhance it; they shade the truth."Synonyms: codeword, genteelismcountable