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

Derived Forms

• ˌmaleˈdictive, adjective

Other Words From

• male·dictive mal·e·dic·to·ry [mal-i-, dik, -t, uh, -ree], adjective
• unmal·e·dictive adjective
• unmal·e·dicto·ry 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

Example Sentences

All things that are of the earth, shall return into the earth: so the ungodly shall from malediction to destruction.

From Project Gutenberg

And he said to me: I will shew thee what things are to come to pass in the end of the malediction: for the time hath its end.

From Project Gutenberg

And she stretched out her broom in an attitude of malediction towards the spot where Pritchard had disappeared.

From Project Gutenberg

At the most he would fling out some cryptic hint, bestow some malediction upon life in general.

From Project Gutenberg

As Stapylton lay back in his carriage, he could not help muttering a malediction on the "dear friend" he had just parted with.

From Project Gutenberg