imprecation
UK[ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃn]US[ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃn]
n
a spoken curse.
n
a strong expression of anger or hatred.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
prec
ation
in
in, into, on, upon, against
prec
to pray, to entreat
ation
Etymology
The word 'imprecation' originates from the latin verb 'imprecari', which is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'upon, against') and 'precari' (meaning 'to pray, to entreat'). Literally, it meant 'to call down (prayers) upon someone', but these prayers were specifically for invoking evil or misfortune. Over time, the sense shifted from the act of praying for harm to the harmful utterance itself. The suffix '-ation' was added to form the noun describing the action or result, solidifying its modern meaning as a spoken curse or malediction.
Analysis
Structure: in + prec + ation
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'in, into, on, upon, against')
prec (latin origin, from the root of 'precari', meaning 'to pray, to entreat')
-ation (latin origin, a suffix forming nouns denoting an action or its result)
Examples
The old sailor muttered an imprecation under his breath as the storm approached.
His speech was filled with bitter imprecations against his former allies.
She left the room with a final imprecation, slamming the door behind her.