vituperation

[ vahy-too-puh-rey-shuhn, -tyoo-, vi- ]

noun

1. verbal abuse or castigation; violent denunciation or condemnation.

   Synonyms: vilification, aspersion, defamation, scolding, spite, censure

   Antonyms: praise

vituperation

/ -prətɪv; vɪˌtjuːpəˈreɪʃən; vɪˈtjuːpərətɪv /

noun

1. abusive language or venomous censure
2. the act of vituperating

Derived Forms

• vituperative, adjective
• viˈtuperatively, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vituperation¹

1475–85; < Latin vituperātiōn- (stem of vituperātio ), equivalent to vituperāt ( us ) ( vituperate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The syllogisms were overthrown by their satire, and their arguments evaporated in their vituperation.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes Michael or Alan would be ejected with vituperation from the class-room to spend an hour in the corridor without.

From Project Gutenberg

His guests were always ready to laugh at his words and add their quota to the sum of vituperation.

From Project Gutenberg

He had not the fine, glittering, incisive touch of Wendell Phillips's fatal sarcasm and vituperation.

From Project Gutenberg

The Tory press, hungry for the spoil which it maddened the others to lose, paid back the compliments by intense vituperation.

From Project Gutenberg