execration

[ek-si-krey-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR execration ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of execrating.

a curse or imprecation: The execrations of the prophet terrified the sinful multitude.

the object execrated; a thing held in abomination.

Origin of execration

1350–1400; Middle English execracioun < Latin ex(s)ecrātiōn- (stem of ex(s)ecrātiō). See execrate, -ion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for execration

odium, curse, abhorrence, blasphemy, imprecation, condemnation, abomination, anathema, malediction, denunciation, damnation, detestation, hatred, profanity, loathing, contempt, vilification, excoriation, cursing, cussing

Examples from the Web for execration

Historical Examples of execration

In his own dominions the voice of execration has been raised against him.
The Historical Nights' Entertainment
Rafael Sabatini
Thy memory will be an execration to the third and fourth generation.
Dreamers of the Ghetto
I. Zangwill
Some hereditary instinct admitted that as a just excuse for execration.
Dreamers of the Ghetto
I. Zangwill
There were words of reproach, encouragement, unbelief, execration.
The Nigger Of The "Narcissus"
Joseph Conrad
Tonet did not quaver at the stare of execration his brother gave him.
Mayflower (Flor de mayo)
Vicente Blasco Ibez

Word Origin and History for execration

late 14c., from Latin execrationem (nominative execratio), noun of action from past participle stem of execrari "to hate, curse," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + sacrare "to devote to holiness or to destruction, consecrate," from sacer "sacred" (see sacred).