Malediction

Noun

Definition: A curse or imprecation; a wish for harm or misfortune to befall someone or something.

Synonyms: Curse, Hex, Damnation, Execration

Antonyms: Blessing, Benediction

Examples:
  • The witch placed a malediction on the village, causing crops to wither and livestock to die.
  • The malediction spoken by the angry man seemed to have an immediate effect, bringing misfortune to those who crossed his path.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "maleficent" as a similar word that means causing harm or evil, similar to the concept of malediction.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "malediction" comes from the Latin word "maledictio," which is derived from "male" meaning "badly" or "ill" and "dicere" meaning "to speak." The literal translation of "maledictio" is "to speak ill or bad words."

Historical Usage:

"Malediction" has been used in English since the 15th century and has been associated with curses and imprecations throughout history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Under a malediction"

Explanation:

Refers to being under the influence or effect of a curse or hex.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "malediction" with "benediction" due to their phonetic similarity.

Explanation:

While "malediction" refers to a curse or wish for harm, "benediction" is a blessing or invocation of divine help or guidance.

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