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Friday, 18th April 2008 : Today's Word is ...
Malediction
( Noun )
Pronunciation : mΰlle-dνk-shen
Definition:
1. The calling down of a curse
2. Slander or evil talk about somebody
3. A denunciation invoking a wish or threat of evil or injury
Etymology:
14th century - Latin malediction - maledicere - speak ill of - dicere - speak
Synonyms:
anathema, curse, damnation, execration, imprecation.
Antonyms:
blessing
Contextual Examples:
A malediction was pronounced against the town and ever since there has been no fresh water there.
I have reason to know that a local friend of ours (on whom I beg to bestow a passing but a hearty malediction, with the kind permission of my reverend friend) sneaks to and fro, and dodges up and down.
He searched about in his mind for an ade- quate malediction for the indefinite cause, the thing upon which men turn the words of final blame.
There Justice Minister Bola Ige, confronted with the general incivility of local police, placed a malediction on the cads. Said the Hon. Bola Ige, "I pray that God will make big holes in their pockets."
A conspiracy of infamy so black that, when it is finally exposed, its principals shall be forever deserving of the maledictions of all honest men.
Related Words:
Malign : Verb
Malefactor : Noun
Malinger : Noun
Malicious : Adjective
Malevolent : Adjective
Maladroit : Adjective
Maladroit : Adjective
Maledictive : Adverb
A Word A Day Index
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