invective
noun/ɪnˈvektɪv/
/ɪnˈvektɪv/
[uncountable] (formal)- rude language and unpleasant remarks that somebody shouts when they are very angry
- The gesture infuriated him and he let out a stream of invective.
- a speech full of invective against the government
Word Originlate Middle English (originally as an adjective meaning ‘reviling, abusive’): from Old French invectif, -ive, from late Latin invectivus ‘attacking’, from invehere, invehi ‘be carried into, assail’, from in- ‘into’ + vehere ‘carry’. The noun is from late Latin invectiva (oratio) ‘abusive or censorious (language)’.Want to learn more?
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