obscene
UK[əbˈsiːn]US[əbˈsiːn]
adj
Offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency, especially in relation to sexual matters.
adj
Repugnant to the mind; outrageous or shocking.
Morpheme Breakdown
ob
scene
ob
against
scene
stage, scene
Etymology
The word 'obscene' has a theatrical origin, entering English in the late 16th century from French obscène, which came from Latin obscēnus. The Latin term is of uncertain ultimate origin but was traditionally analyzed by Roman writers as being composed of ob- (against) and caenum (filth). However, a more plausible etymological connection links it to scaena (stage). The logic suggests something was considered obscēnus if it was unfit to be shown on stage, violating the bounds of public decency and theatrical propriety. This notion of being 'off-stage' or 'against the scene' evolved from a literal theatrical prohibition to the broader modern abstract meanings of being morally repulsive, particularly in a lewd or shocking manner.
Analysis
Structure: ob (against) + scene (stage, scene)
- ob: A Latin prefix meaning "against, toward, in the way of".
- scene: Derived from Latin scaena (stage, scene), from Greek skēnē (tent, booth, stage).
Examples
The film was banned for its obscene content.
He was fined for making an obscene gesture to the police officer.
The amount of money spent on the party was simply obscene.