invective
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1in·vec·tive
adjective \in-ˈvek-tiv\Definition of INVECTIVE
: of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse
— in·vec·tive·ly adverb
— in·vec·tive·ness noun
Examples of INVECTIVE
- <an overbearing, bullying boss who is fond of sending invective e-mails to long-suffering assistants>
Origin of INVECTIVE
Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INVECTIVE
- Synonyms
- contumelious, abusive, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
Rhymes with INVECTIVE
2invective
nounDefinition of INVECTIVE
1
: an abusive expression or speech
2
: insulting or abusive language : vituperation
See Examples of INVECTIVE
- a barrage of racist invective
- <hurled curses and invective at the driver who heedlessly cut them off in traffic>
First Known Use of INVECTIVE
1523
Related to INVECTIVE
- Synonyms
- billingsgate, fulmination, abuse, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation
See Synonym Discussion at abuse
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