obscenity

[ uh b-sen-i-tee, -see-ni- ]

/ əbˈsɛn ɪ ti, -ˈsi nɪ- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR obscenity ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural ob·scen·i·ties for 2, 3.

the character or quality of being obscene; indecency; lewdness.

something obscene, as a picture or story.

an obscene word or expression, especially when used as an invective.

Words nearby obscenity

obrit, obrogation, obs, obs., obscene, obscenity, obscurant, obscurantism, obscuration, obscure, obscurity

Origin of obscenity

1600–10; < French obscenité < Latin obscēnitās, equivalent to obscēn(us) obscene + -itās -ity

OTHER WORDS FROM obscenity

an·ti·ob·scen·i·ty, noun, plural an·ti·ob·scen·i·ties, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for obscenity

Some might say there is also an obscenity to it, given the amount of poverty in the world.
William, Kate, and Jay Z’s Favorite Art Star: Alexander Gilkes' World of Rock Stars and Royalty|Tim Teeman|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Among these are obscenity, defamation, fighting words, express incitement to unlawful conduct, and threats.
Does Free Speech Cover Murder Fantasies? The Supreme Court’s Definition of a ‘Threat’|Geoffrey R. Stone|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One trucker did shout an obscenity, and a musclebound mechanic told them to go and do something useful like study.
Mexican Protesters Look to Start a New Revolution|Jason McGahan|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
An Alabama obscenity law passed in 1998 made the sale of most sex toys illegal in the state.
Anti-Gun Ad Featuring Dildos Is a Huge Misfire|Keli Goff|June 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Coined “obscenity regulations,” on face value they appear to ban material that “depicts or describes sexual misconduct.”
Censored and ‘Obscene’ in Solitary|Sarah Shourd|June 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I asked Fitzsimmons why he was shocked, and he said, “By the obscenity of the thing—by its unparalleled beastliness.”
Haunted Places in England|Elliot O'Donnell
The painter expressed with an obscenity his lack of concern for the tribulations of his survivors.
2 B R 0 2 B|Kurt Vonnegut
He was a chaste and pure writer, avoiding the ribaldry and obscenity of the age.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
When he reached the climax of his tale his language was a rich mixture of blasphemy and obscenity.
A Padre in France|George A. Birmingham
What depths of cruelty and obscenity it revealed in the Parisian rabble.
The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)|John Holland Rose

British Dictionary definitions for obscenity

obscenity

/ (əbˈsɛnɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the state or quality of being obscene

an obscene act, statement, word, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for obscenity

obscenity

Behavior, appearance, or expression (such as films and books) that violate accepted standards of sexual morality. American courts have long tried to define obscenity but without much success. Some believe, for example, that any depiction of nudity is obscene; others would argue that nudity in itself is not obscene. (See four-letter words (see also four-letter words) and pornography.)

obscenity

noun, plural ob·scen·i·ties for 2, 3.

Words related to obscenity

Words nearby obscenity

Origin of obscenity

OTHER WORDS FROM obscenity

Examples from the Web for obscenity

British Dictionary definitions for obscenity

noun plural -ties

Cultural definitions for obscenity