execrate
verb
transitive verb
Did you know?
To Latinists, there's nothing cryptic about the origins of execrate-the word derives from exsecratus, the past participle of the Latin verb exsecrari, meaning "to put under a curse." Exsecrari was itself created by combining the prefix ex- ("not") and the word sacer ("sacred"). Sacer is also an ancestor of such English words as sacerdotal ("relating to priests"), sacral ("holy or sacred"), sacrifice, sacrilege, and of course sacred itself. There's also execration, which, true to its exsecrari roots, means "the act of cursing" or "the curse so uttered."
Synonyms
- anathematize
- censure
- condemn
- damn
- decry
- denounce
- reprehend
- reprobate
Example Sentences
George Will, National Review, 7 July 2019 Many Democrats striving to replace Donald Trump are, while execrating him, paying him the sincerest form of flattery: imitation. George Will, Twin Cities, 7 July 2019 Word History
Latin exsecratus, past participle of exsecrari to put under a curse, from ex + sacr-, sacer sacred
1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1
execrations
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- curses
- imprecations
- maledictions
- anathemas
- condemnations
- denunciations
- censures
- malisons
- bans
- damnations
- winzes
- excommunications
- spells
- voodoos
- jinxes
- poxes
- pox
- hoodoos
- whammies
- mojos
- hexes
- mojoes
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- benedictions
- blessings
- indorsements
- commendations
- citations
- endorsements
- benisons
Synonyms & Similar Words
- abominations
- enemies
- antipathies
- anathemas
- adversaries
- phobias
- hates
- detestations
- abhorrences
- aversions
- horrors
- nuisances
- bêtes noires
- dreads
- grievances
- bugbears
- bugaboos
- annoyances
- hang-ups
- bogeys
- bogies
- peeves
- hassles
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pleasures
- enjoyments
- joys
- delights
- loves
- dears
- darlings
- sweethearts
- felicities
- preferences
- favorites
- treasures
- beloveds
- likes
- honeys