malediction

[mal-i-dik-shuhn]

noun

1. a curse; imprecation.

   Synonyms: execration, damning
   Antonyms: benediction

2. the utterance of a curse.

3. slander.

malediction

/ ˌmælɪˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the utterance of a curse against someone or something

2. slanderous accusation or comment

Other Word Forms

• maledictive adjective
• maledictory adjective
• unmaledictive adjective
• unmaledictory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of malediction¹

1400–50; late Middle English malediccion < Latin maledictiōn- (stem of maledictiō ) slander ( Late Latin: curse). See male-, diction

Word History and Origins

Origin of malediction¹

C15: from Latin maledictiō a reviling, from male ill + dīcere to speak