accurse
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To curse or declare to be evil or anathema; to invoke divine punishment or condemnation upon someone or something. This is a formal, literary, and now archaic term meaning to pronounce a curse upon a person or thing, often in a religious or solemn context.
Usage and Examples
The verb accurse is used to describe the act of formally pronouncing a curse. It is typically used in the passive voice or as a past participle.
- Active Voice (Rare):
- Passive Voice / Past Participle (Common):
- As an Adjective (Past Participle):
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Formality and Archaism: Accurse is an archaic word rarely used in modern English outside of historical, religious, or literary contexts to evoke a formal, solemn, or old-fashioned tone.
- The State of Being Cursed: The past participle accursed is more frequently encountered than the base verb accurse. It often functions as an adjective meaning "being under a curse" or "damned."
- Religious Connotation: The word strongly implies a curse with a divine or supernatural origin or sanction.
Variants and Related Words
- Accursed (adj.): Being under a curse; damned.
- Curse (v.): The modern, common verb meaning to invoke evil or misfortune upon, or to use profane language.
- Anathematize (v.): To formally curse and excommunicate, especially in a religious context.
Synonyms
- Anathematize
- Execrate
- Damn
- Maledict (archaic)
Antonyms
- Bless
- Praise
- Sanctify
- Consecrate
Verb
- curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment