obscenity

[uhb-sen-i-tee, -see-ni-]

noun

plural

obscenities 

1. the character or quality of being obscene; indecency; lewdness.

2. something obscene, as a picture or story.

3. an obscene word or expression, especially when used as an invective.

   Synonyms: swear word, profanity, oath, cussword, cuss, curse word, curse

obscenity

/ əbˈsɛnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obscene

2. an obscene act, statement, word, etc

obscenity

1. Behavior, appearance, or expression (such as films and books) that violate accepted standards of sexual morality. American courts have long tried to define obscenity but without much success. Some believe, for example, that any depiction of nudity is obscene; others would argue that nudity in itself is not obscene. (See four-letter words (see also four-letter words) and pornography.)

Other Word Forms

• antiobscenity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obscenity¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from French obscenité, from Latin obscēnitās, equivalent to obscēn(us) obscene + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Clarke intervened and was heard on the stump mic using an obscenity when warning Anderson to "get ready" for a broken arm.

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The 42-year-old is known for his satirical songs and music videos about taboo topics in Malaysia, from obscenity to religion to China's censorship.

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They were all acquitted later that year in a case that established that topless bars like the Condor Club did not violate California’s obscenity laws.

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Mr Sandhu's address to the jury was then interrupted by an outburst from Mr Hussein who repeatedly shouted an obscenity denying it.

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It sets rules for disclosing sponsors, emergency broadcasts, and content regarding obscenity and decency.

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Related Words

• four-letter word 
• indecency 
• pornography 
• profanity 
• smut 
• vulgarity