Invective: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing harsh, critical language or aggressive verbal attacks. Often includes strong emotional content.

• His speech was filled with invective against his political opponents

Use to refer to cruel or violent treatment of someone, or to insulting and offensive language. Generally used in a broad range of negative contexts.

• She suffered verbal abuse at school
• / The worker faced abuse from his boss

Use to describe bitter and harsh criticism, often implying spitefulness or anger. Similar to 'invective' but can have a more corrosive connotation.

• The critic's review was full of vitriol, leaving the filmmaker deeply hurt

Use when referring to false and damaging statements made about someone, generally spoken rather than written. Has legal implications.

• He threatened to sue her for slander after she spread false rumors about him

Use when you need to describe public condemnation or censure of someone or something, often formally or officially.

• The mayor's denunciation of the corrupt officials was widely covered in the news