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Invective

//ɪnˈvɛktɪv// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Characterized by invection or railing.

    "Tom's speeches became diatribes — each more invective than the last."

Noun
  1. 1
    An expression which inveighs or rails against a person. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will wordnet
  3. 3
    A severe or violent censure or reproach. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    Something spoken or written, intended to cast shame, disgrace, censure, or reproach on another. countable, uncountable

    "And wordy attacks against slavery drew sneers from observers which were not altogether undeserved. The authors were compared to doctors who offered to a patient nothing more than invectives against the disease which consumed him."

  5. 5
    A harsh or reproachful accusation. countable, uncountable

    "Politics can raise invective to a low art."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in- + vehō (“carry”). See vehicle, and compare with inveigh.

Etymology 2

From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in- + vehō (“carry”). See vehicle, and compare with inveigh.

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