execrate

[ ek-si-kreyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·e·crat·ed, ex·e·crat·ing.

1. to detest utterly; abhor; abominate.
2. to curse; imprecate evil upon; damn; denounce:

   He execrated all who opposed him.

verb (used without object)

, ex·e·crat·ed, ex·e·crat·ing.

1. to utter curses.

execrate

/ ˈɛksɪˌkreɪt /

verb

1. tr to loathe; detest; abhor
2. tr to profess great abhorrence for; denounce; deplore
3. to curse (a person or thing); damn

Derived Forms

• ˌexeˈcration, noun
• ˈexeˌcrative, adjective
• ˈexeˌcratively, adverb

Other Words From

• exe·crator noun
• un·exe·crated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of execrate¹

1555–65; < Latin ex ( s ) ecrātus (past participle of ex ( s ) ecrārī to curse), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + secr- (combining form of sacrāre to consecrate; sacrament ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of execrate¹

C16: from Latin exsecrārī to curse, from ex- ¹+ -secrārī from sacer sacred

Example Sentences

They were of no more account than the rest of the excited populace that knew Davis but to execrate him.

From Project Gutenberg

And even to-day those who execrate him seem to carry in their own souls particles of his thought.

From Project Gutenberg

I execrate the enslavement of the mind of our young children by the ecclesiastics.

From Project Gutenberg

Husbands driving wives to taste their power execrate the creature for her fall deep downward.

From Project Gutenberg

I am a bankrupt both in fortune and in heart, and can only pray you will hasten to forget—that you may forbear to execrate me!'

From Project Gutenberg