execration
Americannoun
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the act of execrating.
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a curse or imprecation.
The execrations of the prophet terrified the sinful multitude.
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the object execrated; a thing held in abomination.
Etymology
Origin of execration
1350–1400; Middle English execracioun < Latin ex ( s ) ecrātiōn- (stem of ex ( s ) ecrātiō ). See execrate, -ion
Explanation
The noun execration means an angry denouncement or curse. A protester's furious execration of the police might end up getting her arrested. Use the word execration when you talk about something that's yelled or muttered angrily. When you declare, "May the god Apollo strike you down for saying that!" it's an execration. The person at whom you hurl the execration can also be called an execration, or an object of condemnation. The root word is execrari, which means "to hate or curse" in Latin.
Vocabulary lists containing execration
Jane Eyre
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"Of Plymouth Plantation," Vocabulary from the historical account
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"Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford
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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.
Execration, indignation, and vengeance filled the breasts of both the conquerors and the conquered.
From A Modern History, From the Time of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon For the Use of Schools and Colleges by Lord, John
Excentro-concentric Wide open, fingers stretched apart and contracted: Execration.
From Delsarte System of Oratory by Various
It is also alluded to in some verses by Ben Jonson, entitled, "An Execration upon Vulcan," from which it appears that Ben Jonson was in the theatre when it was burnt.
From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 19, No. 540, March 31, 1832 by Various
Execration expresses most of personal bitterness and hatred; imprecation refers especially to the coming of the desired evil upon the person against whom it is uttered.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
Execration Thereat still fouler filled the sulphurous air: Before the rood the hermit sank:—"Salvation Grant, Lord! in his despair!"
From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 11, No. 24, March, 1873 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
