English

Noun

execration ‎(plural execrations)

1. An act or instance of cursing; a curse dictated by violent feelings of hatred; an imprecation; an expression of utter detestation.
   • 1835: Thomas Babington Macaulay, "Sir James Mackintosh"

     When some of those brave and honest though misguided men who had sate in judgment on their King were dragged on hurdles to a death of prolonged torture, their last prayers were interrupted by the hisses and execrations of thousands.

   • 1946: Albert Camus, The Stranger, translation by Gilbert Stuart, last sentence.

     For all to be accomplished, for me to feel less lonely, all that remained to hope was that on the day of my execution there should be a huge crowd of spectators and that they should greet me with howls of execration.

2. That which is execrated; a detested thing.
   • 1611: Jeremiah 42:18, King James Version

     ... and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

Related terms

• execrate
• execrative
• execrator
• execratory

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