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imprecation

Low
UK/ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/US/ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

Formal/Literary

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Definition

Meaning

a spoken curse; a swear word invoking evil or harm upon someone or something.

Any vehement or profane utterance expressing anger, condemnation, or intense dislike.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Often implies a solemn, ritualistic, or deeply angry utterance. More formal and less common in casual speech than 'curse'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. Equally rare and formal in both varieties.

Connotations

Literary, dramatic, archaic.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in everyday speech for both varieties. More likely found in historical novels, religious texts, or high-register writing.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
utter an imprecationhurl imprecationsmutter imprecations
medium
a bitter imprecationa foul imprecationa muttered imprecation
weak
angry imprecationviolent imprecationagainst

Grammar

Valency Patterns

an imprecation (against someone/something)imprecations (from someone)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

execrationanathema

Neutral

cursemalediction

Weak

swear wordoathprofanity

Vocabulary

Antonyms

blessingbenedictionprayer

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “hurl imprecations at”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Rare, mainly in literary criticism, historical studies, or theology.

Everyday

Extremely rare; 'curse' or 'swear word' are used instead.

Technical

Not applicable.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The wizard imprecated a terrible fate upon the invaders.
  • He was known to imprecate against bureaucracy.

American English

  • The preacher imprecated doom upon the sinners.
  • The villain imprecated the hero with ancient curses.

adverb

British English

  • He muttered imprecatingly under his breath.
  • She spoke imprecatingly of her former employer.

American English

  • He stared imprecatingly at the faulty engine.
  • She gestured imprecatingly toward the heavens.

adjective

British English

  • A string of imprecatory verse was found on the ancient tablet.
  • His imprecatory tone frightened the audience.

American English

  • She responded with an imprecatory glare that spoke volumes.
  • The letter contained an imprecatory postscript.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • The bad man shouted a bad word.
B1
  • He muttered a curse when he dropped his phone.
B2
  • The angry protestor shouted curses at the politicians.
C1
  • With a final, bitter imprecation against his enemies, the old king died.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: IMPRECATION sounds like 'in PRECISE ANGER', which is when you utter a formal, precise curse.

Conceptual Metaphor

SPEECH AS A VIOLENT WEAPON (hurling words), LANGUAGE AS POLLUTION (foul imprecation).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not confuse with 'implication' (следствие, подразумеваемое). It is not related to 'precarious' (ненадежный). Closer to 'проклятие', 'брань'.

Common Mistakes

  • Misspelling as 'implication'. Using it in informal contexts where 'curse' would be more natural.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Upon hearing the verdict, the accused stood up and uttered a furious against the court.
Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'imprecation'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

'Imprecation' is a more formal, literary, and less common synonym for 'curse'. It often sounds archaic or solemn.

It would sound very unnatural and overly formal. Native speakers would use 'curse', 'swear word', or 'oath'.

Yes, the verb is 'imprecate' (/ˈɪmprɪkeɪt/), meaning 'to utter a curse'. It is even rarer than the noun.

It is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'imprecatory' and the adverb is 'imprecatingly'.