Execration

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

From Latin exsecratus, which is composed of ex and sacer "sacred".

Full definition of execration

Noun

1. An act or instance of cursing; a curse dictated by violent feelings of hatred; an imprecation; an expression of utter detestation.
• 1835: Thomas Babington Macaulay, "Sir James Mackintosh"When some of those brave and honest though misguided men who had sate in judgment on their King were dragged on hurdles to a death of prolonged torture, their last prayers were interrupted by the hisses and execrations of thousands.
• 1946: Albert Camus, , translation by , last sentence.For all to be accomplished, for me to feel less lonely, all that remained to hope was that on the day of my execution there should be a huge crowd of spectators and that they should greet me with howls of execration.
2. That which is execrated; a detested thing.
• 1611:... and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

Related terms

• execrate
• execrative
• execrator
• execratory