invective

Noun
Synonyms: vituperationvitriol

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill willSynonyms: vituperationvitriol
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Invective \In*vec"tive\, a. [L. invectivus: cf. F. invectif. See Inveigh.] Characterized by invection; critical; denunciatory; satirical; abusive; railing. [1913 Webster]
Invective \In*vec"tive\, n. [F. invective.] An expression which inveighs or rails against a person; a severe or violent censure or reproach; something uttered or written, intended to cast opprobrium, censure, or reproach on another; a harsh or reproachful accusation; -- followed by against, having reference to the person or thing affected; as, an invective against tyranny. [1913 Webster]

The world will be able to judge of his [Junius'] motives for writing such famous invectives. --Sir W. Draper.

Syn: Abuse; censure; reproach; satire; sarcasm; railing; diatribe. See Abuse. [1913 Webster]

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