imprecation

[ im-pri-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of imprecating; cursing.
2. a curse; malediction.

imprecation

/ ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of imprecating
2. a malediction; curse

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprecation¹

1575–85; < Latin imprecātiōn- (stem of imprecātiō ), equivalent to imprecāt ( us ) ( imprecate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Without waiting to catch breath after his heroic skirmish, he began uttering, over these detested feathers, the most horrible imprecations imaginable.

From Literature

Her singing encompassed cathartic extremes: lullabies and imprecations, sighs and howls.

From New York Times

She hurled raspy imprecations in “Hurt Yourself” and let her voice break with tearful desperation and then find its own resolve in the hymnlike “Sandcastles.”

From New York Times

He then leads the Army in shouts of the imprecation, "Arise, oh God, and let your enemies be scattered!"

From Salon

In the history of American presidential debates, there never has been a spectacle of imprecations and interruptions like Tuesday night’s prize fight.

From Los Angeles Times