profanity
/prəˈfanɪti
/noun (plural profanities) [mass noun]
1Blasphemous or obscene language: an outburst of profanity...
- Janis Joplin is fined $200 for violating local profanity and obscenity laws for her performance after a concert in Tampa, Florida.
- The atmosphere of the billiard room, it was suggested in South Shields, was also conducive to profanity and bad language.
- Zora raises her hand: ‘Never use profanity or inappropriate language.’
Synonyms
oath, swear word, expletive, curse, obscenity, four-letter word, dirty word, execration, imprecation;
blasphemy, swearing, foul language, bad language, cursing
informal cuss, cuss word
1.1 [count noun] A swear word; an oath: a man with bloodied chin mouthing profanities...
- I didn't notice him until he ejected a stream of swear words and profanities when we were told to leave the train and wait on platform three.
- Looking over my shoulder, it was alarming to see 20 people in black charging through gravestones, mouthing profanities.
- His mumbled curses and profanities were becoming more and more apparent.
1.2Irreligious or irreverent behaviour.Others, touching on areas that range from elements of sexuality, to the treatment of the dead and dying, to bodily indignity and even profanity and sacrilege, are of course more controversial....
- Despite gospel-centred ministries, and various societies dedicated to moral reform, homosexuality, profanity, immorality, drunkenness and gluttony were widespread.
- Not by abandoning all to profanity, but by extending the reach of sacred time and space.
Synonyms
idolatry, sacrilege, irreligiousness, ungodliness, impiety, unholiness, profaneness, blasphemy, irreverence, disrespectfulness, disrespect
Origin
Mid 16th century: from late Latin profanitas, from Latin profanus 'not sacred' (see profane).