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

As these things go, the tweet exposes Hotez to public vituperation on social media and possibly physical harm.

From Los Angeles Times

The trial’s opening act will likely feature much the same brand of petulance and vituperation from the defendant, now redirected to the jury selection process.

From Los Angeles Times

At one point, Jonathan calls Cairo a genius because she can capably use the word “vituperation” in a sentence.

From Los Angeles Times

But the vituperation leveled at her was so extreme that you would think she had started a war.

From New York Times

Unflinchingly conservative, wildly partisan, bombastically self-promoting and larger than life, Limbaugh galvanized listeners for more than 30 years with his talent for vituperation and sarcasm.

From Seattle Times