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

“They include alienating Trump and incurring his malediction, and discovering that there are just not enough anti-Trump Republicans to win him a swing-state primary,” he said.

From Washington Times

Mr. Badoglio then spent three months entreating his cemetery spirits to undo the malediction, until Mr. Zeffirelli was able to begin filming again.

From New York Times

Despite this Sisyphean malediction, with each call for new proposals, the community still tries to push its boulder back to the mountaintop.

From Scientific American

A salvor who declines to donate their winnings to the poor no longer risks “the curse and malediction of our mother the holy church,” as the law was written in the 1100s.

From Washington Post

James, 13, who was eliminated during Wednesday’s third round by the word “malediction,” said the opportunity to meet people and represent his home have been the most rewarding parts of the contest.

From Washington Post