animadversion

American  

[an-uh-mad-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn] / ˌæn ə mædˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən /

noun

1. an unfavorable or censorious comment.

   to make animadversions on someone's conduct.

   Synonyms:

   derogation, reflection, aspersion

2. the act of criticizing.

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animadversion British  

/ ˌænɪmædˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. criticism or censure

2. a carefully considered observation

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Other Word Forms

• animadversional adjective

Etymology

Origin of animadversion

1590–1600; < Latin animadversiōn- (stem of animadversiō ) a heeding, censure, equivalent to animadvers ( us ) (past participle of animadvertere to heed, censure; animadvert ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The keeping of pet animals here, as in England, was a common fault and one against which Rigaud’s animadversions were singularly unsuccessful.

From Project Gutenberg

But at times some extremely artless animadversions are heard that almost nonplus us.

From Project Gutenberg

As to Raymond, the complete silence preserved with respect to him was more significant than could have been the severest animadversions.

From Project Gutenberg

And curious it is to note that the foibles which he selects for animadversion are precisely those which form the staple of satire against women at the present time.

From Project Gutenberg

Few Roman Catholic practices have excited more animadversion than the "vain repetition" of the worship of the Rosary.

From Project Gutenberg