imprecation

American  

[im-pri-key-shuhn] / ˌɪm prɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of imprecating; cursing.

2. a curse; malediction.

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imprecation British  

/ ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of imprecating

2. a malediction; curse

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Etymology

Origin of imprecation

1575–85; < Latin imprecātiōn- (stem of imprecātiō ), equivalent to imprecāt ( us ) ( see imprecate) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

If you really don't like someone you can shout out an imprecation at them. More than simply the use of bad language (although that can be involved, too), an imprecation is a damning curse wishing them nothing but ill. Originally from a Latin word meaning to "invoke evil" or "bring down bad spirits upon." Not to be confused with implication, a similar-sounding word with the completely unrelated meaning of implying something indirectly. These are two very commonly confused words, so be careful. You don't want an imprecation blasted down upon you from someone who really cares about language.

Example Sentences

One of them is the journalistic imprecation tediously if correctly invoked by New Yorker editor David Remnick in a recent column: Don’t get ahead of the reporting.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2017

As the second half went on, the cries gave way to groans of dissatisfaction, and, eventually, shrieks of imprecation.

From The Guardian • Nov. 24, 2012

Sendak’s celebrated book Where the Wild Things Are takes its inspiration from childish disobedience and the imprecation that Yiddish-speaking parents hurled at obstreperous kids: wilde chaia or “wild pig.”

From Time • May 9, 2012

It takes a single imprecation to launch the curse of Greer, and once it is launched nothing will stop it.

From The Guardian • Oct. 3, 2010

Scran′ning, the act of begging for food.—Bad scran to you! bad fare to you! an Irish imprecation.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various