Imprecation

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌɪmprəˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions of imprecation

noun the act of invoking evil upon someone

Example Sentences

A1 She muttered an imprecation under her breath when she stubbed her toe.

A2 The old man shook his fist and shouted imprecations at the noisy teenagers outside his window.

B1 The politician's speech was filled with imprecations against his opponents.

B2 The witch's imprecation caused the villagers to fear for their safety.

C1 The author's novel was criticized for its excessive use of imprecations and foul language.

C2 The cult leader's imprecations were so powerful that his followers believed they could bring about destruction.

Examples of imprecation in a Sentence

formal The priest warned against the use of imprecations in his sermon.

informal She muttered imprecations under her breath as she struggled to fix the broken vase.

slang I can't believe he threw an imprecation at the referee during the game!

figurative His harsh words felt like a powerful imprecation against her character.

Grammatical Forms of imprecation

past tense

imprecated

plural

imprecations

comparative

more imprecatory

superlative

most imprecatory

present tense

imprecates

future tense

will imprecate

perfect tense

have imprecated

continuous tense

is imprecating

singular

imprecation

positive degree

imprecatory

infinitive

to imprecate

gerund

imprecating

participle

imprecated

Origin and Evolution of imprecation

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'imprecation' originated from the Latin word 'imprecationem', which means a prayer or curse.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'imprecation' has evolved to primarily mean a spoken curse or malediction, often invoking harm or misfortune upon someone or something.