malediction

mal·e·dic·tion

noun \ˌma-lə-ˈdik-shən\

Definition of MALEDICTION

: curse, execration

— mal·e·dic·to·ry \-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē\ adjective

Examples of MALEDICTION

1. <the two old women began casting aspersions and heaping maledictions upon one another>

Origin of MALEDICTION

Middle English malediccioun, from Late Latin malediction-, maledictio, from maledicere to curse, from Latin, to speak evil of, from male badly + dicere to speak, say — more at mal-, diction

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MALEDICTION

Synonyms: anathema, ban, execration, imprecation, curse, malison, winze [Scottish]

Antonyms: benediction, benison, blessing

Related Words: censure, condemnation, damnation, denunciation, excommunication; hex, hoodoo, jinx, mojo, spell, voodoo, whammy; pox

Near Antonyms: citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)

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Rhymes with MALEDICTION

benediction, contradiction, crucifixion, dereliction, interdiction, jurisdiction, metafiction, science fiction, valediction