invective
invective
Definition
in·vec·tive (in vek′tiv)
adjective
inveighing; using, inclined to use, or characterized by strong verbal abuse
Etymology: ME invectiff < MFr invectif < LL invectivus < L invectus, pp. of invehere: see inveigh
noun
- a violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insults, curses, etc.; vituperation
- an abusive term, insult, curse, etc.
in·vec′·tively adverb
in·vec′·tive·ness noun
invective
Synonyms
invective
Usage Examples
Converse of object
- hurl: Nevertheless he quickly fought back, hurling invective against Kautsky for all he was worth.
- pour: Government information, instructions, and invectives poured through letter boxes.
- aim: The Arsenal coach was bombarded with missiles when it pulled into the ground and the invective aimed at Campbell was disturbingly primal.
Adjective modifier
- political: By wallowing in the trough of political invective, these people show they have lost the argument.
- fierce: Capable of fierce invective, his oratory is impersonal; passionate and emotional himself, his speeches are temperate.
- personal: Such a grave matter demands mature political debate, not cheap personal invective.
- bitter: Procopius saves his most bitter invective for two women.
- most: But O'Grady himself he did not forgive, and the Irishman continued to plague him with what Macdonell called " most scurrilous invective.
- racist: Similarly, if our political culture is addicted to racist invective then it is high time we went into detox.
Modifies a noun
- remark: Family and friends: Use Venus ' loving touch in your verbal exchanges and avoid Mars ' invective remarks toward an unlucky friend.
invective Quotes
He has to learn that petulance is not sarcasm, and that insolence is not invective.
Browse dictionary entries near invective
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- invariability
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- inventive
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