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Synonyms

allocution

American  
[al-uh-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌæl əˈkju ʃən /

noun

  1. a formal speech, especially one of an incontrovertible or hortatory nature.

  2. a pronouncement delivered by the pope to a secret consistory, especially on a matter of policy or of general importance.


allocution British  
/ ˌæləˈkjuːʃən /

noun

  1. rhetoric a formal or authoritative speech or address, esp one that advises, informs, or exhorts

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of allocution

1605–15; < Latin allocūtiōn- (stem of allocūtiō ), equivalent to allocūt ( us ), past participle of alloquī to speak to, address ( al- al- + locū- speak + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Durst declined to give an allocution for the crime.

From Fox News Oct. 14, 2021

But at his Friday sentencing hearing for Floyd’s murder, Chauvin’s allocution lasted just 36 seconds.

From Washington Post Jun. 26, 2021

Hayden gave two allocution statements during the trial—one for the initial charges and one for the contempt charges Hoffman brought—and used both to give speeches, but didn’t speak about the war dead.

From Slate Oct. 15, 2020

He offered a law professor’s allocution on the subject of foreign-born citizens’ eligibility for the American presidency.

From New York Times Jan. 15, 2016

And I refer you," continues Machen, "to the allocution of Bacbuc, the priestess of the Bottle, at large.

From Arthur Machen A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin by Starrett, Vincent

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