Definition

A spoken curse or a wish for misfortune to happen to someone.

Example

In the old tale, the witch cast an imprecation on the village, bringing bad luck to its inhabitants.

Conversation

Have you ever heard someone use an imprecation in a movie?

Yeah, it usually sounds pretty dramatic and intense.

I always wonder how people come up with those imprecations.

Right? It’s like they have a whole dictionary of curses!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Imprecation is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "precari" (meaning to pray or to entreat). The word refers to a prayer or invocation for evil or misfortune upon someone, thus combining the idea of a negative or harmful request.

Memory Tip

Think of making a 'negative prayer' — 'im-' means not, and 'precari' means to pray. This helps you remember that an imprecation is a wish for harm.

Visually Confused Words