1.
[syn: imprecation, malediction]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Malediction \Mal`e*dic"tion\, n. [L. maledictio: cf. F.
mal['e]diction. See Maledicent.]
A proclaiming of evil against some one; a cursing;
imprecation; a curse or execration; -- opposed to
benediction.
[1913 Webster]
No malediction falls from his tongue. --Longfellow.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Cursing; curse; execration; imprecation; denunciation;
anathema.
Usage: Malediction, Curse, Imprecation, Execration.
Malediction is the most general term, denoting bitter
reproach, or wishes and predictions of evil. Curse
implies the desire or threat of evil, declared upon
oath or in the most solemn manner. Imprecation is
literally the praying down of evil upon a person.
Execration is literally a putting under the ban of
excommunication, a curse which excludes from the
kingdom of God. In ordinary usage, the last three
words describe profane swearing, execration being the
strongest.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
malediction
n 1: the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and
usually serves as an insult); "he suffered the imprecations
of the mob" [syn: imprecation, malediction]
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:
18 Moby Thesaurus words for "malediction":
anathema, ban, blasphemy, commination, curse, damnation,
denunciation, evil eye, excommunication, execration, fulmination,
hex, imprecation, malison, malocchio, proscription, thundering,
whammy
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):
MALEDICTION, Eccl. law. A curse which was anciently annexed to donations
of lands made to churches and religious houses, against those who should
violate their rights.