antiphrasis n : the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal sense (especially in irony)

English

Noun

1. the use of a word or phrase in a sense not in accord with its literal meaning, especially for ironic or humorous effect

Related terms

• antiphrastic

An antiphrasis (from Greek and Latin: anti, opposite, and phrasis, diction) is a figure of speech that is a word used to mean the opposite of its usual sense, especially ironically. Examples:

• "He is but a youngster" (describing a middle-aged man)
• "The past is strongest in its resurrection; but she will have neither." (succumbing to nostalgia; from "Three-Fold Flowers" by Andrea Duerme)