obscenity

/əbˈsenəti/ (bre, ipa) · /əbˈsenəti/ (ame, ipa) · /äb-ˈse-nə-tē əb- also -ˈsē-/ (ame, mw)

obscenity — noun

  • obscenitysingular
  • obscenitiesplural

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

1.名詞C2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

文法句型

obscenity of + language/scene/gesture

debate over obscenity

ban something for obscenity

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞C2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

文法句型

shout an obscenity

scribble obscenities on + surface

treat something as an obscenity

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.