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Obscene: meaning, definitions and examples

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obscene

 

[ əbˈsiːn ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

inappropriate language

Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty. Disgusting or repulsive.

Synonyms

indecent, lewd, offensive, vulgar

Examples of usage

  • He shouted obscene insults at the referee.
  • She was arrested for using obscene language in public.
Context #2 | Adjective

inappropriate behavior

Characterized by lewd or offensive behavior. Offensive to moral principles.

Synonyms

disgusting, indecent, offensive, vulgar

Examples of usage

  • The movie was criticized for its obscene content.
  • His obscene gestures offended the audience.
Context #3 | Noun

obscene material

Material, such as books or films, that depicts or describes sexual activity in a way that is offensive or disgusting.

Synonyms

indecent, lewd, pornographic

Examples of usage

  • The bookstore was fined for selling obscene magazines.
  • He was charged with possession of obscene material.

Translations

Translations of the word "obscene" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obsceno

🇮🇳 अश्लील

🇩🇪 obszön

🇮🇩 cabul

🇺🇦 непристойний

🇵🇱 nieprzyzwoity

🇯🇵 わいせつ

🇫🇷 obscène

🇪🇸 obsceno

🇹🇷 müstehcen

🇰🇷 외설적인

🇸🇦 فاحش

🇨🇿 neslušný

🇸🇰 neslušný

🇨🇳 淫秽

🇸🇮 nespodoben

🇮🇸 ósæmilegur

🇰🇿 ұятсыз

🇬🇪 ულაპარაკო

🇦🇿 əxlaqsız

🇲🇽 obsceno

Etymology

The word 'obscene' originated from the Latin word 'obscaenus', meaning 'ill-omened' or 'abominable'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to something offensive or disgusting, particularly in relation to sexual content. The concept of obscenity has been a subject of legal and moral debate, with different cultures and societies having varying standards regarding what is considered obscene.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,088, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.