malediction
Word family
- maledictadjectiveC2
- maledictoryadjectiveC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four words refer to spoken expressions of harm or ill will, but they differ in register and connotation. 'Curse' is the everyday word — it covers everything from casual swearing to magical spells (e.g., 'He let out a curse when he stubbed his toe'). 'Malediction' is more formal and literary, focusing on the act of speaking evil wishes rather than the magical effect itself. 'Imprecation' is similarly formal but more specific: it means calling down evil from a higher power. 'Execration' is the strongest, carrying deep loathing and often a sense of horror (e.g., 'The crowd shouted execrations at the dictator'). 'Anathema' is distinct in being tied to religious or institutional condemnation — a formal curse of exclusion. In everyday writing, 'curse' is almost always the right choice; the others suit elevated or historical prose.
Common collocations
Etymology
From Latin 'maledictio' (evil speaking, slander, curse), formed from 'male' (badly, evil) + 'dictio' (speaking, saying), which comes from 'dicere' (to say). The word travelled through Old French 'malediction' before entering Middle English around the 15th century. Its opposite, 'benediction' (blessing), follows the same pattern with 'bene-' (well, good) replacing 'male-'.
First known use
14th century
14th century, in the meaning defined above