malediction
mal-uh-DIK-shun
/ˌmælɪˈdɪkʃən/
A magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or destruction; a curse.
More formal and literary than 'curse'; often implies a ritualistic or solemn declaration of evil.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'maledictio', combining 'male' (badly/evil) and 'dicere' (to speak). It is the exact linguistic mirror of 'benediction'.
Word relationships
- curse: Curse is the everyday word; malediction is formal and often literary.
- imprecation: Imprecation is a synonym that specifically emphasizes the act of calling down evil.
- benediction: A benediction is a blessing, the direct opposite of a malediction.
Commonly confused with
- maldiction: There is no such word; ensure you include the 'e' after 'mal'.
Collocations
- utter a malediction
- ancient malediction
- malediction upon
Example sentences
- "With a final malediction on his lips, the sorcerer vanished into the shadows." A fantasy novel describing a villain's actions.
- "He felt as though some ancient malediction followed his family through the generations." Describing a deep sense of being cursed by fate.
Memory hook
Think of 'Maleficent' (the villain) giving a 'Dictation' (speech) of evil. Bad saying.
When not to use
Don't use it for common swear words; it refers to a formal curse.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, a 'malediction' was sometimes written into the front of books to warn thieves not to steal them.
Related words
Explore more words
malign, malevolent, detestation, incantation, malevolence, malicious
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