Invective Definition

ĭn-vĕktĭv
invectives
noun
invectives
A violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insults, curses, etc.; vituperation.
Webster's New World
An abusive term, insult, curse, etc.
Webster's New World
A denunciatory or abusive expression or discourse.
Shouted invectives at the umpire.
American Heritage

Something spoken or written, intended to cast opprobrium, censure, or reproach on another.

Wiktionary
Politics can raise invective to a low art.
Wiktionary
Antonyms:
adjective
Inveighing; using, inclined to use, or characterized by strong verbal abuse.
Webster's New World

Characterized by invection or railing.

Tom's speeches became diatribes — each more invective than the last.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Invective

Noun

Singular:
invective
Plural:
invectives

Origin of Invective

  • From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in + vehō (“carry”). See vehicle, and compare with inveigh.

    From Wiktionary

  • From Middle English invectif denunciatory from Old French from Late Latin invectīvus reproachful, abusive from Latin invectus past participle of invehī to inveigh against inveigh

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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