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Obscenity: meaning, definitions and examples

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obscenity

 

[ əbˈsiːnɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

inappropriate language

Obscenity refers to language or behavior that is offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate for a particular audience. It often involves explicit sexual content or profanity.

Synonyms

indecency, profanity, vulgarity

Examples of usage

  • His speech was filled with obscenities that shocked the audience.
  • The use of obscenities in the workplace is not tolerated.
  • She was offended by the obscenity in the movie.
Context #2 | Noun

obscene act

Obscenity can also refer to an obscene act or gesture that is lewd or offensive.

Synonyms

indecency, lewdness, offensive gesture

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for committing acts of obscenity in public.
  • The comedian's performance was criticized for its obscenities.

Translations

Translations of the word "obscenity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obscenidade

🇮🇳 अश्लीलता

🇩🇪 Obszönität

🇮🇩 kecabulan

🇺🇦 непристойність

🇵🇱 nieprzyzwoitość

🇯🇵 猥褻

🇫🇷 obscénité

🇪🇸 obscenidad

🇹🇷 müstehcenlik

🇰🇷 음란

🇸🇦 فحش

🇨🇿 oplzlost

🇸🇰 neprístojnosť

🇨🇳 淫秽

🇸🇮 nespodobnost

🇮🇸 ósæmilegheit

🇰🇿 арсыздық

🇬🇪 უწმაწურობა

🇦🇿 ədəbsizlik

🇲🇽 obscenidad

Etymology

The word 'obscenity' originated from the Latin word 'obscenus', which meant 'ill-omened' or 'abominable'. Over time, it evolved to refer to things that are offensive or indecent. The concept of obscenity has been a topic of debate throughout history, with varying standards of what is considered obscene in different cultures and time periods.

See also: obscenely.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,286, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.