curse word

noun

1. a profane or obscene word, especially as used in anger or for emphasis; curse.

   Synonyms: swear word, profanity, obscenity, oath, cussword, cuss

2. any term conceived of as offensive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of curse word¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Teacher Bella Ivory said she felt scared when rallying students shouted hateful curse words outside the classroom where she was helping facilitate a Black Student Union meeting last week.

From Los Angeles Times

He drills one kid in the back with a pass, knocking him over, then screams at him, “Get your head out of your …” with his curse word bleeped out.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked to confirm her relationship with the top curse word by Kroft, Smith doesn’t deny it.

From Salon

On Sept. 20, 2023, Stora elbowed a 17-year-old student in the neck and said, “You people think you can do whatever you want,” using a curse word, according to the indictment.

From Seattle Times

Alito is unsubtly suggesting that those deaths somehow are less offensive than some kids seeing a curse word.

From Salon