Definition of INVECTIVE

invective

Plural: invectives

Noun

  • abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
  • An expression which inveighs or rails against a person.
  • A severe or violent censure or reproach.
  • Something spoken or written, intended to cast shame, disgrace, censure, or reproach on another.
  • A harsh or reproachful accusation.

Adj

  • Characterized by invection or railing.

Examples

  • Politics can raise invective to a low art.
  • Tom's speeches became diatribes — each more invective than the last.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle French invective, from Medieval Latin invectiva (“abusive speech”), from Latin invectīvus, from invectus, perfect passive participle of invehō (“bring in”), from in- + vehō (“carry”). See vehicle, and compare with inveigh.

Scrabble Score: 17

invective: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
invective: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
invective: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

invective: valid Words With Friends Word