The big unabridged dictionaries, which can be expected to have a dozen or more distnct definitions for god, try to identify all usages of words, current and historical. Derogatory usages of labels are not censored in such dictionaries, nor should they be, but they should be qualified as pejorative, offensive or archaic. Many dictionaries are abridged. The editors and publishers are responsibile for the choices they make regarding the inclusion of derogatory usages of labels. The negative impact that derogatory definitions for labels have by reinforcing or encouraging negative stereotypes and prejudice cannot be dismissed. Our vocabulary defines the parameters of our thoughts and our expression of our thoughts. Dictionaries that defined women as synonymous with "weak-minded" were effectively endorsing and encouraging, not just reflecting, prejudice against women. What do today's abridged dictionaries communicate about atheism and atheists?
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions (but not the 1st edition) define atheism as synonymous with "immorality" (2nd definition)). It also defines godless as synonymous with "wicked" (2nd definition). Other dictionaries are more indirect, defining atheism as synonymous with godlessness and then defining godless as a synonym for wicked. The Cambridge Advanced Learner's dictionary second definition for godless is "bad or evil". The Compact Oxford English dictionary's second definition of godless is "profane; wicked" (September 2004). Encarta World English Dictionary, North American Edition's defines godless as a synonym for wicked (August 2003), Webster's 1828 dictionary also defines wicked as a synonym for godless without directly defining immorality as a synonym for atheism. Other dictionaries do not have derogatory definitions for either atheism or godless or, if they do, they at least have the good sense to identify the derogatory definitions as pejorative, offensive, or archaic. Mirriam-Webster 10th Edition identifies "ungodliness" and "wickedness" as archaic synonyms for atheism.