maledict
Very low (Literary/Archaic)Literary, Formal, Archaic, Poetic
Definition
Meaning
To speak evil of; to curse; to utter a curse against.
To pronounce a formal curse upon; to invoke evil upon someone or something. As an adjective (archaic): accursed, under a curse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb. The adjectival use is now extremely rare and would be considered consciously archaic or a direct echo of older texts. Implies a formal, solemn, or ritualistic act of cursing, not just casual swearing. Carries a strong connotation of doom or severe ill-wishing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes biblical, Shakespearean, or high fantasy contexts in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Likely only encountered in specific literary or religious studies.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] maledicts [Object (person/thing)][Subject] maledicts [Object] for [Reason]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms. The word itself is used in idiomatic, formal curses.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in literary criticism, theology, or historical linguistics discussing archaic texts.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation. Its use would be striking and perceived as intentionally dramatic.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The high priest proceeded to maledict the usurper before the assembled court.
- In the old tale, the witch maledicted the prince, foretelling a century of sleep.
American English
- The prophet stood on the hill to maledict the city for its corruption.
- Feeling betrayed, she maledicted his name and turned away.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- (Archaic) The maledict treasure was said to bring misfortune to all who possessed it.
- (Archaic) They fled the maledict ground where the oath was broken.
American English
- (Archaic) He was cast out as a maledict creature, shunned by the village.
- (Archaic) The manuscript spoke of a maledict sword that drank the soul of its wielder.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2. Use 'curse' instead.)
- (Still too rare and literary. Use 'curse' or 'say bad things about'.)
- In the play, the king maledicts his own sons for their betrayal.
- The word 'maledict' is an old-fashioned way to say 'curse'.
- The bishop threatened to formally maledict any who broke the sacred covenant.
- Scholars debate the translation of the maledict verses in the ancient epic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MALEDICT' as 'MAL-e-DICT' where 'MAL' means 'bad/evil' (like in 'malicious') and 'DICT' means 'to speak' (like in 'dictate'). So, 'to speak evil'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A SUPERNATURAL WEAPON (Words can inflict magical harm).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'проклинать' (to curse) in everyday contexts; 'maledict' is far more formal and archaic. The Russian word is much more common.
- The archaic adjective 'maledict' should not be confused with the more common adjective 'cursed' ('проклятый').
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common synonym for 'criticize' or 'insult'.
- Using the adjectival form in modern writing without clear archaic intent.
- Misspelling as 'maledicted' for the past tense (correct: 'maledicted' is fine, but 'cursed' is standard).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'maledict' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare, literary, and archaic. The common word is 'curse'.
'Maledict' implies a more formal, solemn, or ritualistic act of cursing, often with a supernatural connotation. 'Curse' is the general, everyday term.
Historically, yes (meaning 'accursed'), but this use is now obsolete. It is only encountered in very old texts or deliberate archaic style.
'Anathematize' is a very close synonym in formal/religious contexts. 'Execrate' or 'imprecate' are also strong synonyms.