obloquy

[ ob-luh-kwee ]

noun

, plural ob·lo·quies.

1. censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, especially by numerous persons or by the general public.

   Synonyms: revilement, aspersion, calumny, reproach

   Antonyms: praise

2. discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse, or denunciation.

   Antonyms: credit

obloquy

/ ˈɒbləkwɪ /

noun

1. defamatory or censorious statements, esp when directed against one person
2. disgrace brought about by public abuse

Other Words From

• ob·lo·qui·al [o-, bloh, -kwee-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obloquy¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin obloquium contradiction, equivalent to Latin obloqu ( ī ) to contradict ( ob- ob- + loquī to speak) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of obloquy¹

C15: from Latin obloquium contradiction, from ob- against + loquī to speak

Example Sentences

The statements made by the D.A.’s office, the complaint alleges, made Thomas “the object of obloquy and ridicule.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Defendant did his job professionally and in good faith, created a spectacular Exhibition that garnered rave reviews, set attendance records, made a substantial profit,” he continued, “and is not deserving of the obloquy heaped upon him by OMA’s Complaint.”

From New York Times

When the case reached the 5th Circuit, Judge Andrew Oldham wrote his own vicious opinion shot through with anti-abortion obloquy.

From Slate

That’s a shame, because the airline’s 11 outside directors are arguably the guiltiest of the guilty parties in the company’s recent fiasco, the most deserving of obloquy.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, the presidency was a thankless job, “a most unpleasant seat, full of thorns, briars, thistles, murmuring, fault-finding, calumny, obloquy.”

From Literature