First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1invective
adjective in·vec·tive \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
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Origin of INVECTIVE
Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere
Related to INVECTIVE
- Synonyms
- contumelious, abusive, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
Rhymes with INVECTIVE
2invective
noun
: harsh or insulting words : rude and angry language
Full Definition of INVECTIVE
1
: an abusive expression or speech
2
: insulting or abusive language : vituperation
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First Known Use of INVECTIVE
1523
Related to INVECTIVE
- Synonyms
- billingsgate, fulmination, abuse, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation
Synonym Discussion of INVECTIVE
abuse, vituperation, invective, obloquy, billingsgate mean vehemently expressed condemnation or disapproval. abuse, the most general term, usually implies the anger of the speaker and stresses the harshness of the language <scathing verbal abuse>. vituperation implies fluent and sustained abuse <a torrent of vituperation>. invective implies a comparable vehemence but suggests greater verbal and rhetorical skill and may apply to a public denunciation <blistering political invective>. obloquy suggests defamation and consequent shame and disgrace <subjected to obloquy and derision>. billingsgate implies practiced fluency and variety of profane or obscene abuse <directed a stream of billingsgate at the cabdriver>.
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