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

There's as pretty a piece of Imprecation for you, when joined to the lines already sent, as you may wish to meet with in the course of your business.

From The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5 Poetry by Coleridge, Ernest Hartley

But there is still the problem of the Psalms of Imprecation.

From The Christian Use of the Psalter by Whitham, Arthur Richard

“One gentle Imprecation more and then, “He cries, Farewel the Laureat and his Pen: “Thy Country calls, if thou resign’st thy Sense, “Yet rouse to be a Man of Consequence.

From The Scribleriad and The Difference Between Verbal and Practical Virtue by Anonymous

Strong was the Oath, the Imprecation dire; And for a Viand, lest their Guilt should tire, With promis’d Paradice they cheer their way; And bold’s the Souldier who has Heav’n his pay.

From Anti-Achitophel (1682) Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Jones, Harold Whitmore

Imprecation is seldom absent from these incursions, being, in fact, urgently needed to do duty for closer argumentation.

From A Cursory History of Swearing by Sharman, Julian