invective

[ in-vek-tiv ]

noun

1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach.

   Synonyms: scorn, contumely

2. a railing accusation; vituperation.
3. an insulting or abusive word or expression.

adjective

1. vituperative; denunciatory; censoriously abusive.

invective

/ ɪnˈvɛktɪv /

noun

1. vehement accusation or denunciation, esp of a bitterly abusive or sarcastic kind

adjective

1. characterized by or using abusive language, bitter sarcasm, etc

Derived Forms

• inˈvectively, adverb
• inˈvectiveness, noun

Other Words From

• in·vective·ly adverb
• in·vective·ness noun
• unin·vective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of invective¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin invectīvus abusive, equivalent to Latin invect ( us ) (past participle of invehī to attack with words, inveigh ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of invective¹

C15: from Late Latin invectīvus reproachful, scolding, from Latin invectus carried in; see inveigh

Synonym Study

See abuse.

Example Sentences

It’s easy to ridicule and dismiss a Kremlin opponent hurling invective from abroad, but much more difficult to do so when he does so from within the lion’s den.

From Time

The local government, despite all the invective directed at its leadership, seems to be functioning normally for the moment.

From The Daily Beast

As an insult, which is absolutely what it is, it satisfyingly rolls off the tongue, as all invective should.

From The Daily Beast

Compliments would earn their deliverer a stream of invective, while an insult or dirty joke “would earn his respect.”

From The Daily Beast

A lot of invective has been thrown their way, but that one company spends about $50 million a year on R&D.

From The Daily Beast

Her piece is a colorful collection of insults, long on invective and heavy on the adjectives.

From The Daily Beast

Most's explanation, full of bitter invective, suggested hostile personal feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

If he had lost a son, he had found, what he seems to have prized quite as much, a fertile theme for invective.

From Project Gutenberg

If Maria does not take care, I shall write a much sharper invective against her, for not answering my Diabolical book.

From Project Gutenberg

It was when one of the table-legs overturned the swill-pail that the long pent-up storm burst in a torrent of invective.

From Project Gutenberg

The struggle was over, and Fox vented his rage and disappointment in a speech of unmeasured invective.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• denunciation
• diatribe
• epithet
• tirade