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Imprecate: meaning, definitions and examples

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imprecate

 

[ ɪmˈprɛkeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

curse invocation

To imprecate means to invoke evil or calamity upon someone or something. This term is often associated with the act of cursing or calling for misfortune to befall another person. It is derived from religious or superstitious practices where individuals would seek divine retribution. The usage of this word has historically been steeped in a more serious tone, often relating to moral judgment or the consequences of one's actions.

Synonyms

curse, damn, execrate

Examples of usage

  • The witch was said to imprecate her enemies with dark spells.
  • In his anger, he began to imprecate those who had wronged him.
  • The old man would often imprecate the storm clouds when they threatened his crops.

Translations

Translations of the word "imprecate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amaldiçoar

🇮🇳 शाप देना

🇩🇪 verfluchen

🇮🇩 mengutuk

🇺🇦 проклинати

🇵🇱 przeklinać

🇯🇵 呪う

🇫🇷 maudire

🇪🇸 maldición

🇹🇷 lanet etmek

🇰🇷 저주하다

🇸🇦 يَلعَنُ

🇨🇿 proklínat

🇸🇰 prekliatať

🇨🇳 诅咒

🇸🇮 prekletstvo

🇮🇸 banna

🇰🇿 қарғау

🇬🇪 კურცი

🇦🇿 lənətləmək

🇲🇽 maldición

Etymology

The word 'imprecate' comes from the Latin 'imprecari', which means to invoke or call upon, particularly for evil or harm. The root 'precari' relates to prayer and invocation, showing a connection to the act of asking or beseeching, but in a negative context when combined with 'in-'. The term has been used in English since the early 17th century, denoting a formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a curse. Although less common in modern language, it retains its meaning in literary and religious texts where the gravity of curses or invocations of malice are discussed. Over the centuries, the connotation of imprecating someone has been associated with serious emotional states like anger or revenge, reflecting the deep cultural beliefs about the power of words and their potential to impact reality.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,662, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.