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Imprecate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imprecate

[ɪmˈprɛkeɪt ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Imprecations are often found in classical literature, such as in the Bible, where curses were used to convey moral lessons.
  • Famous literary works include curses that reflect a character's desperation or anger, illustrating their emotional state.
  • The concept was famously explored by William Shakespeare, where characters might invoke curses in their dialogues, blaming others for their misfortune.

Psychology

  • Expressing anger through imprecations can provide a psychological release for individuals experiencing frustration.
  • The act of wishing ill on others can reflect personal conflicts and unresolved issues in one's life.
  • Studies suggest that expressing negative sentiments, including curses, can sometimes improve mood temporarily by validating feelings.

Cultural Context

  • Cursing and imprecating have varied in acceptance across cultures; in some, it's seen as a form of social bonding, while in others, it's strictly taboo.
  • Certain cultures have rich traditions of curses, often tied to folklore and viewed as a way to deal with injustices.
  • In some societies, cursing is believed to carry a powerful consequence, invoking both fear and respect in daily interactions.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows depict characters imprecating others as a comedic or dramatic device, highlighting their conflicts.
  • Famous lines often feature curses as pivotal moments, whether to invoke humor or highlight character flaws.
  • Social media trends sometimes involve playful curses as expressions of frustration, though it's often done in jest.

Origin of 'imprecate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imprecari,' which means 'to invoke evil upon' or 'to curse.'
  • It combines the prefix 'im-' (not) with 'precari' (to pray), highlighting the negative aspect of prayer.
  • It has been in use in English since the late 15th century, showing a long history of invoking malice through language.

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.