Vocabulary

curse

curse

\ˈkərs\

noun

: an offensive word that people say whenthey are angry: magical words that are said to causetrouble or bad luck for someone or thecondition that results when such words aresaid: a cause of trouble or bad luck

Full Definition

1 : a prayer or invocation for harm or injury tocome upon one : imprecation2 : something that is cursed or accursed3 : evil or misfortune that comes as if inresponse to imprecation or as retribution4 : a cause of great harm or misfortune :torment5 : menstruation - used with the

Examples

I heard him utter a curse before themicrophone was shut off.The witch pronounced a curse in somestrange language.People believe that someone put a curse on the house.

Origin: Middle English curs, from Old English.

First use: before 12th century

Synonyms: anathema, ban, execration,imprecation, malediction, malison, winze [Scottish]

Antonyms: benediction, benison, blessing

Synonyms: anathematize, beshrew [archaic],imprecate, maledict

Antonyms: bless

2

curse

: to use offensive words when you speak: to say offensive words to (someone): to say or or think bad things about(someone or something)

Full Definition

transitive verb1 : to use profanely insolent language against :blaspheme <curse God and die - Job 2:9(REB)>2 a : to call upon divine or supernatural powerto send injury upon <was cursed and fears hewill die>
b : to execrate in fervent and often profaneterms <cursed by future generations unless we act now>3 : to bring great evil upon : afflict <a landcursed with famine>intransitive verb: to utter imprecations : swear <cursingloudly>

Other forms: cursed; curs·ing

Examples

He always starts cursing when he gets drunk.She angrily cursed him as he turned andwalked away.He cursed himself for being so careless.

First use: before 12th century

Synonyms: anathema, ban, execration,imprecation, malediction, malison, winze [Scottish]

Antonyms: benediction, benison, blessing

Synonyms: anathematize, beshrew [archaic],imprecate, maledict

Antonyms: bless