among the Jews, is used to signify a species of annihilation. See ANNIHILATION.

The Hebrew word cherem, signifies properly to destroy, exterminate, devote, or anathematise.

CHEREM is likewise sometimes taken for that which is consecrated, vowed, or offered to the Lord, so that it may no longer be employed in common or profane uses. No devoted thing that a man shall devote unto the Lord, of all that he hath of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord: none devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed, but shall surely be put to death. There are some who assert that the persons thus devoted were put to death; whereof Jephtha's daughter is a memorable example. Judges xi. 29, &c.

CHEREM is also used for a kind of excommunication in use among the Jews. See NIDDU.