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Odium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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odium

[ˈoʊ.di.əm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

strong hatred

Odium refers to widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions. It is often associated with public condemnation and can arise from various situations, including scandals or moral failings.

Synonyms

abomination, contempt, disdain, hatred.

Examples of usage

  • The politician faced public odium after the corruption scandal was revealed.
  • Her actions were met with odium by the community, leading to her resignation.
  • The film received odium for its controversial portrayal of historical events.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face odium for their actions, highlighting the societal consequences of their choices.
  • Famous works, like Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', explore themes of odium and public opinion.
  • The word is often seen in discussions of villains, emphasizing the distaste they generate among others.

Psychology

  • Feelings of odium can lead to social isolation, as people may distance themselves from those they strongly dislike.
  • Psychological studies show that the expression of odium can invoke strong emotional responses in both the person feeling it and those on the receiving end.
  • Understanding the origins of one's odium can be a path to addressing feelings of resentment or conflict.

History

  • Throughout history, leaders often faced public odium due to controversial decisions or policies.
  • The French Revolution was marked by odium directed at the monarchy, leading to significant societal changes.
  • Odium has shaped political discourse, often targeting opponents to influence public sentiment.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, odium is frequently portrayed in reality TV, where cast members may evoke strong feelings of dislike from audiences.
  • Social media can amplify feelings of odium, with public figures often facing backlash leading to campaigns against them.
  • The word has been referenced in music and films to discuss the themes of hate and conflict, showcasing its continued relevance.

Origin of 'odium'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Odium' comes from Latin, where it originally meant 'hatred'.
  • In classical literature, the term was used to describe the disdain people felt towards certain actions or individuals.
  • The suffix '-ium' is often used in chemistry, but in this word, it helps convey a sense of a condition or state.

The word 'odium' comes from the Latin term of the same spelling, which means 'hatred' or 'hatefulness.' In classical literature, it was used to describe moral condemnation, particularly in political contexts. Over the centuries, the term evolved to encapsulate broader feelings of aversion and loathing, eventually entering the English language in the early 17th century. As it transitioned into modern usage, 'odium' retained its connotation of strong emotional repulsion, becoming a formal term often employed in discussions of public sentiment and societal judgment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,689, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.