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invective Definition

in·vec·tive (in vektiv)

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

  1. a violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insults, curses, etc.; vituperation
  2. an abusive term, insult, curse, etc.

invective Related Forms
in·vec·tively adverb in·vec·tive·ness noun
invective Synonyms

invective

n.

denunciation, vituperation, condemnation; see accusation 2, blame 1, insult.

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.

—Disraeli, Benjamin, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield