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

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

Moreover, their statements came after they had sustained public obloquy for their silence.

From Los Angeles Times

Whatever their motivations, none of them deserves credit for abandoning Trump now, when he’s facing a tsunami of obloquy and the constitutional end of his term at noon on Jan. 20.

From Los Angeles Times