malediction
UK: ˌmælɪˈdɪkʃən | US: ˌmælɪˈdɪkʃən
n. a curse or the utterance of a curse
n. slanderous or abusive speech
The word "malediction" originates from Latin maledictio, combining male (evil) and dictio (speaking). The root male appears in other English words like "malice" (evil intent) and "malignant" (harmful), while dict derives from dicere (to speak), seen in "dictate" and "predict." Over time, "malediction" evolved to specifically denote a formal curse or harmful speech, retaining its original sense of "evil speaking."
The witch uttered a malediction that haunted the village for generations.
His speech devolved into a stream of maledictions against his rivals.
The old tome contained ancient maledictions meant to invoke misfortune.
She dismissed his insults as mere maledictions with no real power.
In folklore, breaking a mirror was believed to bring a malediction of seven years' bad luck.