Invective
noun
Insulting or offensive language directed at someone.
The politician launched an invective against his opponent during the debate.
Often appears as...
- launch an invective
- hurl invectives
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure.
He responded to the criticism with a bitter invective.
Often appears as...
- bitter invective
- heated invectives
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Literary
noun
Insulting or offensive language directed at someone.
The politician launched an invective against his opponent during the debate.
Often appears as...
- launch an invective
- hurl invectives
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure.
He responded to the criticism with a bitter invective.
Often appears as...
- bitter invective
- heated invectives
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Harsh Impact
Invective is strong and can be hurtful; use it to show deep disapproval or anger.
The coach's invective could be heard across the field after the team's poor performance.
Pro Tip 2/3Public Speaking
In debates or speeches, 'invective' often aims to discredit the opponent with strong language.
Her invective against the proposed policy was sharp and unforgiving.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Charge
Invective is emotionally charged, indicating anger or resentment from the speaker.
His invective after the unfair decision was filled with frustration.
Compare with
abuseattackcensuredenunciationdiatribeinsultvilificationvituperation
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Video examples
Where is Africa in our...
telephony have transformed our world and each time Africa's we left behind a few years ago president invective South Africa proclaimed the period of the African Renaissance and so I wondered what could we do this time to ensure that we will not left behind that this
Video examples
Where is Africa in our...
telephony have transformed our world and each time Africa's we left behind a few years ago president invective South Africa proclaimed the period of the African Renaissance and so I wondered what could we do this time to ensure that we will not left behind that this
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Tom Junod
American Journalist
A mob pelting pilloried wrongdoers with rotten vegetables would seem to have little in common with one doing the same with 140-character invective, except of course the most important thing: the belief that they are in the right, and are even doing good by making the object of their contempt feel really, really bad.
Quote examples
Mark McKinnon
American Businessman
I've slipped on occasion into the realm of irresponsible invective, but I try to avoid it and generally recant when I fall short. Because name-calling does nothing to improve understanding or move the political debate forward.
Quote examples
Austan Goolsbee
American Public Servant
I get massive invective, massive abuse, via email, phone messages, and Twitter. From people way, way to the right of center - scary, abusive kind of stuff. Really freaks out my assistant and my wife. Hate-filled.
Quote examples
Olga Tokarczuk
Polish Writer
I believe absolutely that words must be treated as material weapons, every invective or threat as violence and aggression.
Quote examples
Tom Junod
American Journalist
A mob pelting pilloried wrongdoers with rotten vegetables would seem to have little in common with one doing the same with 140-character invective, except of course the most important thing: the belief that they are in the right, and are even doing good by making the object of their contempt feel really, really bad.
Quote examples
Mark McKinnon
American Businessman
I've slipped on occasion into the realm of irresponsible invective, but I try to avoid it and generally recant when I fall short. Because name-calling does nothing to improve understanding or move the political debate forward.
Quote examples
Austan Goolsbee
American Public Servant
I get massive invective, massive abuse, via email, phone messages, and Twitter. From people way, way to the right of center - scary, abusive kind of stuff. Really freaks out my assistant and my wife. Hate-filled.
Quote examples
Olga Tokarczuk
Polish Writer
I believe absolutely that words must be treated as material weapons, every invective or threat as violence and aggression.
Example 1 of 4
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