Mal`e*dic"tion, n. [L.
maledictio: cf. F. malédiction. See
Maledicent.] A proclaiming of evil against some one; a
cursing; imprecation; a curse or execration; -- opposed to
benediction.
No malediction falls from his
tongue.
Longfellow.
Syn. -- Cursing; curse; execration; imprecation;
denunciation; anathema. -- Malediction, Curse,
Imprecation, Execration. Malediction is the most
general term, denoting bitter reproach, or wishes and predictions of
evil. Curse implies the desire or threat of evil, declared
upon oath or in the most solemn manner. Imprecation is
literally the praying down of evil upon a person. Execration
is literally a putting under the ban of excommunication, a curse
which excludes from the kingdom of God. In ordinary usage, the last
three words describe profane swearing, execration being the
strongest.
