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

Explanation

Animadversion is a harsh, critical comment — or even a public censure. You don't hear it very often, but in Puritan times, dressing in bright colors and swearing would bring many animadversions down upon you. Animadversion comes from the verb animadvert. In Middle English, animadvert meant simply to pay attention — to "turn your mind to" something, from the Latin animus ("mind") + ad- ("to") + vertere ("turn"). Anyone with parents can understand how a word that means "pay attention" can turn into a word that means "criticize."

Example Sentences

So what is it, exactly, that fuels the animadversion against Martin Amis?

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2020

"Poppycock," was the virtual animadversion passed by U. S. Rear Admiral W. W. Phelps.

From Time Magazine Archive

Later the conference re-elected Bishop Cannon, despite considerable animadversion, to the board of Temperance and Social Service.

From Time Magazine Archive

This may have been the animadversion of a man who hated them both.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mr. Fuseli will assuredly find room for animadversion.

From The Life and Writings of Henry Fuseli, Volume I (of 3) by Knowles, John