Definition

Noun: 1. A formal threat of divine punishment or vengeance: A solemn declaration or denunciation, especially one made by a religious authority, warning of God's anger and impending punishment for sin. 2. A formal denunciation or curse: A ritual or public proclamation that threatens severe consequences, often of a religious or moral nature.

Examples

• The priest's commination against the corrupt rulers was delivered with fiery conviction.
• The Ash Wednesday service includes a commination against various sins.
• His speech was less a political argument and more a bitter commination against his opponents.

Advanced Usage

• "To pronounce a commination against": To formally declare a threat of punishment, especially from a divine source.
  • The prophet pronounced a commination against the city for its wickedness.

Variants and Related Words

• Comminatory (adj): Threatening, denunciatory.
  • He spoke in a comminatory tone, warning of dire consequences.

Synonyms

• Denunciation
• Anathema
• Curse
• Condemnation
• Execration

Antonyms

• Benediction
• Blessing
• Praise
• Approval

Noun

1. a threat of divine punishment or vengeance
2. prayers proclaiming God's anger against sinners; read in the Church of England on Ash Wednesday