Malediction: meaning, definitions and examples
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malediction
[ ˌmæl.əˈdɪk.ʃən ]
curses
A malediction is a curse or a wish for harm to come to someone. It is a strong and often spoken form of disapproval or anger towards someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malediction |
Typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe a spoken curse or an utterance with the intention to bring about evil or harm.
|
| curse |
Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a wish for something bad to happen to someone. It can also refer to a situation of suffering or misfortune believed to be caused by supernatural means.
|
| execration |
Mainly found in formal or literary contexts to describe an intense expression of loathing or hatred. It often includes the notion of cursing someone or something vehemently.
|
| damnation |
Used in religious contexts to refer to the consequences of sin, usually eternal punishment in hell. It can also express a strong feeling of condemnation or disapproval in more general terms.
|
Examples of usage
- The witch cast a malediction on the village, causing crops to wither and livestock to die.
- He felt the weight of the malediction as misfortune seemed to follow him wherever he went.
Translations
Translations of the word "malediction" in other languages:
🇵🇹 maldição
🇮🇳 शाप
🇩🇪 Verwünschung
🇮🇩 kutukan
🇺🇦 прокляття
🇵🇱 przekleństwo
🇯🇵 呪い
🇫🇷 malédiction
🇪🇸 maldición
🇹🇷 lanet
🇰🇷 저주
🇸🇦 لعنة
🇨🇿 kletba
🇸🇰 prekliatie
🇨🇳 诅咒
🇸🇮 prekletstvo
🇮🇸 bölvun
🇰🇿 қарғыс
🇬🇪 წყევლა
🇦🇿 lənət
🇲🇽 maldición
Etymology
The word 'malediction' originated from the Latin word 'maledictio', which means 'speaking evil against someone' or 'a curse'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a curse or a wish for harm to someone. Throughout history, maledictions have been a common theme in folklore, literature, and superstitions, often associated with witches, sorcery, and dark magic.