execration

[ek-si-krey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of execrating.

2. a curse or imprecation.

   The execrations of the prophet terrified the sinful multitude.

3. the object execrated; a thing held in abomination.

Word History and Origins

Origin of execration¹

1350–1400; Middle English execracioun < Latin ex ( s ) ecrātiōn- (stem of ex ( s ) ecrātiō ). See execrate, -ion

Example Sentences

And if they are remembered at all, it will be with execration and contempt.

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To howls of execration from the world’s media, his insistence has torpedoed efforts to update the treaty.

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“And the curtain dropped forever upon the lives of four of its actors. . . . The wretched criminals have been hurried into eternity, and tonight will be hidden in despised graves, loaded with the execrations of mankind.”

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“So long as there are Americans, his memory will be cherished with execration and loathing.”

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Shuler describes the tradition of the public execution sermon and the last words of the condemned, usually contrite and repentant but sometimes not, as some yelled execrations or protested their innocence.

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