Words / C2

mal-i-DIKSHUN/ˌmælɪˈdɪkʃn/

A malediction is a curse; an utterance intended to bring harm (literary / formal): utter a malediction, a malediction upon the scheme. Anathema (already in the dictionary) is something you hate and reject, a detested thing rather than a spoken curse. Praise (already in the dictionary) and an encomium (already in the dictionary) are the opposite flavour. Invective (already in the dictionary) is abusive attack, of insult not of a hex. A corridor curse is not a numbered objection.

Meaning

A curse; an utterance intended to bring harm (literary / formal).

Examples

• “A malediction in the corridor is not a numbered objection.”
• “Anathema is a detested thing (already in C2) — hate, not a spoken curse. Praise is approval (already in B2). An encomium is formal high praise (already in C2) — the contrast. Invective is abusive verbal attack (already in C2). A dated finding can still be calm. Heat in the stairwell is theatre. Write the objection; leave the hex.”

Good to know

A curse (literary / formal). Mix-up: anathema (a detested thing — already in C2). Contrast: praise / encomium (already in this dictionary). Close: invective (abuse — already in C2). A curse ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

curse, imprecation, execration, hex

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