imprecate

[im-pri-keyt]

verb (used with object)

imprecated, imprecating 

1. to invoke or call down (evil or curses), as upon a person.

   Synonyms: anathematize, execrate, curse, denunciate
   Antonyms: bless

imprecate

/ ˈɪmprɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to swear, curse, or blaspheme

2. (tr) to invoke or bring down (evil, a curse, etc)

   to imprecate disaster on the ship

3. (tr) to put a curse on

Other Word Forms

• imprecatory adjective
• imprecator noun
• unimprecated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprecate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin imprecātus, past participle of imprecārī “to invoke, pray to or for,” equivalent to im- “in” + prec- “pray” + -ātus past participle suffix; im- ¹, pray, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprecate¹

C17: from Latin imprecārī to invoke, from im- _in- ² + precārī to _pray

Example Sentences

To devote to destruction; to imprecate misery or evil upon; to curse; to execrate; to anathematize.

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And sullenly, with stealthy gestures of menace, they retreated towards the entrance; and gabbling more loudly as they approached it, seemed to be imprecating vengeance on those who cast them out.

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When they were pressed to speak of religion, they burst into curses, and imprecated vengeance on their judge and jury, saying they were hung as poor rogues, but many worse escaped because they were rich.

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It was then that I remembered the vengeance which I had imprecated upon her head; and it was she who was avenged!

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When he had imprecated a bitter curse upon the Persians if they did not win back the kingdom, and take vengeance on the Magians, he threw himself head foremost down from the tower.

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