Contronyms – IOTW Report

Contronyms

Dust-

This can mean taking dust off of something or dusting onto something.

“I need to dust the furniture.” “I need to dust the donuts.”

Clip-

This can mean to attach something to something or detach something.

“I clipped the badge to my lapel.” “I clipped the lapel off my suit.”

Sanction-

This can mean approving something or penalizing it.

“I sanction your idea.” “Because of that idea, I sanction you.”

Does anyone have more examples?

32 Comments on Contronyms

  1. “Justice” now has a completely opposite meaning from the original when Communists use it, not sure if that counts…

    “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”
    Isaiah 59:14

    …truer words never spoken, for so too have equity and truth been turned on their heads, perhaps they now are contrary to themselves too…

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  2. This doesn’t fit exactly, but…
    Years ago our small town cop stopped me for whatever I was doing (could have been one of a dozen things). He apparently didn’t have his ticket book so he told me to stop by the office the next day “to get your citation”. I said, “You mean you’re giving me an award for this? Far out!” He was not amused.

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