scurrilous

[ skur-uh-luhs, skuhr- ]

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive:

   a scurrilous attack on the mayor.

   Synonyms: offensive, insulting, vituperative

2. characterized by or using low buffoonery; coarsely jocular or derisive:

   a scurrilous jest.

   Synonyms: vulgar

scurrilous

/ ˈskʌrɪləs; skəˈrɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. grossly or obscenely abusive or defamatory
2. characterized by gross or obscene humour

Derived Forms

• scurrility, noun
• ˈscurrilously, adverb

Other Words From

• scurril·ous·ly adverb
• scurril·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scurrile + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurrilous¹

C16: from Latin scurrīlis derisive, from scurra buffoon

Example Sentences

All this make it more critical that the decisive action that has already been taken to combat these scurrilous attacks must continue.

From Slate

That’s an understandable impulse—especially since Elon Musk has restored the accounts of scurrilous wrongdoers who’d previously broken Twitter rules, while other social media giants, like Facebook and Instagram, are ill-advisedly relaxing their content-moderation standards.

From Slate

Middlesbrough, who host Swansea in the Championship on Saturday, backed the "strongest possible action" being taken against "scurrilous individuals" who caused disorder in the town.

From BBC

The defense has suggested that Trump was trying to protect his family, not his campaign, by squelching what he says were false, scurrilous claims.

From Seattle Times

“The movement must succeed, but false accusations must stop for it to flourish. David will be considering the position with his legal team and will take such steps as may be appropriate over these false and scurrilous allegations.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defamatory
• indecent
• insulting
• lewd
• obscene
• offending
• outrageous
• salacious
• scandalous
• slanderous