profanity

[pruh-fan-i-tee, proh-]

noun

plural

profanities 

1. the quality of being profane; irreverence.

   Synonyms: sacrilege, blasphemy

2. profane conduct or language; a profane act or utterance.

   Synonyms: curse, malediction, sacrilege, blasphemy

3. obscenity.

profanity

/ prəˈfænɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being profane

2. vulgar or irreverent action, speech, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonprofanity noun
• semiprofanity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of profanity¹

From the Late Latin word profānitās, dating back to 1600–10. See profane, -ity

Example Sentences

The parents whose behavior was so crass that Los Angeles school consultant Sandy Eiges added a clause in her contract stating that the use of profanity could terminate their working relationship.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The reigning Masters champion didn’t take such treatment quietly, clapping back at times with profanity or gestures of his own.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He underscored his position with a burst of profanity, but he did promise to “go to war on this issue,” although he acknowledged that some fixing is in order.

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The version of Sheen defending his life in the two-part documentary is calm, even as he peppers his recollections with profanity.

Read more on Salon

The woman calls him profanities, and asks, “Who let you in here?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• four-letter word 
• obscenity 
• swearing www.thesaurus.com