obscenity

IPA/əbˈsenəti/
KK[əbsˈɛnɪti]IPA/əbˈsenəti/

obscenity — noun

  • obscenitysingular
  • obscenitiesplural

1. the quality of being sexually crude or indecent in language, pictures, or behavi

1.nounC2
Definition

the quality of being sexually crude or indecent in language, pictures, or behavior

Example

Parents objected to the obscenity of the song played at lunch break.

pattern: the obscenity of + noun

The editor cut the scene because its obscenity would upset younger viewers.

usage: uncountable judgment noun

Common collocations
  • the obscenity of the lyrics
  • the obscenity of the scene
  • debate over obscenity
  • ban for obscenity
  • obscenity in advertising
Synonyms
  • indecency

    a broad formal word for behavior or material that breaks accepted sexual standards

  • vulgarity

    can be wider in meaning and may refer to coarse taste, not only sexual offense

  • lewdness

    stronger and more morally judgmental, often focused on sexual behavior

Antonyms
  • decency

    behavior or material that stays within accepted social standards

  • modesty

    avoidance of open or crude sexual display

  • propriety

    formal word for correct and socially acceptable behavior

Grammar Patterns

obscenity of + language/scene/gesture

debate over obscenity

ban something for obscenity

Usage Note

Usually functions as an uncountable noun when you are judging material or behavior as sexually indecent. Distinguish it from sense 2, which names one specific offensive word, phrase, or act.

Common Mistakes

The film was banned for an obscenity.
The film was banned for obscenity.
use this sense without a/an when you mean the general indecent quality.
His jokes showed obscenity because he was impolite.
His jokes showed obscenity because they were sexually crude.
this word is about sexual indecency, not ordinary rudeness.

2. a sexually offensive word, remark, or act that shocks or disgusts people

2.nounC2
Definition

a sexually offensive word, remark, or act that shocks or disgusts people

Example

The driver yelled an obscenity when the bus splashed mud on him.

pattern: yell an obscenity

Someone scratched obscenities across the new library sign before dawn.

plural use: obscenities

Common collocations
  • yell an obscenity
  • mutter an obscenity
  • shout obscenities
  • write obscenities on a wall
  • one obscenity slipped out
Synonyms
  • profanity

    broader and more common for swear words, including many that are not sexual

  • swearword

    plain everyday term for a rude or offensive word

  • dirty word

    informal and often used when speaking to or about children

Grammar Patterns

shout an obscenity

scribble obscenities on + surface

treat something as an obscenity

Usage Note

Use this sense for one specific obscene expression or act. It often appears in the plural when reporting shouted swear words written on walls or muttered during an argument.

Common Mistakes

He shouted obscenity at the referee.
He shouted an obscenity at the referee.
use a/an for one specific word or phrase.
Calling the soup bad was an obscenity.
Shouting a sexually explicit swear word was an obscenity.
this noun usually refers to sexually offensive language or acts, not ordinary criticism.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

An 'obscenity' is narrower than 'profanity' or 'swearword' because it usually points to language or acts that are sexually offensive, not just rude or angry. 'Profanity' often involves religion or general swearing, while 'swearword' is the everyday label for a bad word of any type. 'Vulgarity' can describe coarseness in style, behavior, or taste, so it is broader and less tied to one spoken item. 'Indecency' is closer to sense 1 because it often describes the overall quality of being improper rather than one specific expression. If a driver shouts one shocking sexual insult, 'obscenity' fits well; if a speaker simply uses rough language throughout a talk, 'profanity' may be the better choice.

profanity ↗swearword ↗vulgarity ↗indecency ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle English

This noun comes from Latin 'obscenitas', built from a word meaning something foul or indecent. It reached English through French and kept the idea of speech, acts, or images that shock people because they are sexually crude or improper.