imprecation — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act of imprecating, or invoking evil upon someone; a prayer that a curse or calamity may befall someone.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Hear then this dreadful imprecation; hear it: / 'Tis lay'd on all; not any one exempt: […]

   More examples (1)

   Her son turned to look at her as she reeled and swayed in the middle of the room, her fierce face convulsed with passion, her blotched arms raised high in imprecation. "May Gawd curse her forever," she shrieked.

2. A curse.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Mr. Gamfield growled a fierce imprecation on the donkey generally, but more particularly on his eyes; and, running after him, bestowed a blow on his head.

   He drank the spirits and impatiently bade us go; terminating his command with a sequel of horrid imprecations too bad to repeat or remember.

   More examples (1)

   All life had turned to rottenness and stench in them--love was a beastliness, joy was a snare, and God was an imprecation.

Noun

1. the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult)

   Synonyms

   malediction

   Broader terms

   execrationcondemnationcurse

   Examples

   he suffered the imprecations of the mob

2. a slanderous accusation

   Broader terms

   accusationaccusal