maledictory

A person shouted maledictory words at the storm.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or expressing a curse: "maledictory" describes language, statements, or actions that invoke evil, harm, or misfortune upon someone or something. It is synonymous with "cursing" or "damning."

Usage Examples

• (A speech act that invokes a curse.)
• (A tone of voice that conveys a desire to curse someone.)
• (Words that express a curse or threat.)

Advanced Usage

• "maledictory speech": a formal or ritualistic utterance of curses.

  • The priest's maledictory speech was intended to banish evil spirits. (A speech that formally curses or condemns.)

• "maledictory gesture": a physical act, such as a hand sign, that symbolizes a curse.

  • The angry mob made maledictory gestures toward the palace. (Gestures that convey a wish for harm.)

Variants and Related Words

• Malediction (noun): a curse or expression of evil wishes.

  • The malediction cast by the sorcerer lasted for generations. (A spoken curse.)

• Maledict (verb): to curse or speak evil of someone.

  • The prophet maledicted the city for its sins. (To utter a curse against.)

• Maledictory (adjective): the base form; no common variant spelling other than "maledictory" itself.

Synonyms

• Cursing: expressing a wish for harm or misfortune.
• Damning: invoking divine punishment or condemnation.
• Execratory: relating to a curse or imprecation.
• Imprecatory: expressing a prayer for evil to befall someone.

Related Idioms

• "Curse someone to the heavens": to utter a very strong maledictory statement.

  • She cursed him to the heavens, wishing he would never find peace. (A powerful maledictory expression.)

• "Call down a curse upon": to invoke a maledictory force against someone.

  • The old man called down a curse upon those who destroyed his home. (To utter a malediction.)