imprecation

noun

im·​pre·​ca·​tion ˌim-pri-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce imprecation (audio)
1
: curse
2
: the act of imprecating

Examples of imprecation in a Sentence

He muttered imprecations under his breath. the defiant prisoner continued to hurl imprecations and insults at the guards
Recent Examples on the Web Dimly lit, the dancers enact a ritual, flailing their arms in imprecation, grabbing an outstretched flexed foot, bowing in subjugation but also drawing strength from the ground, from their roots. Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2022 That at times gives them the distasteful task of wrestling with demonstrators clad in prayer shawls, or facing down children who shout imprecations at them. Noga Tarnopolsky, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2020 The ninth Earl Spencer, Diana's brother Charles, in his eulogy hurling imprecations at the media and some seething smacks at the royal family — even as his godmother the queen listened from a few feet away? Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imprecation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprecation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near imprecation

Cite this Entry

“Imprecation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprecation. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

imprecation

noun
im·​pre·​ca·​tion ˌim-pri-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce imprecation (audio)

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