invective

UK: /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/ US: /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/ ,(in vek′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•vec•tive /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/   n. [uncountable]

1. great and forceful denunciation or reproach, esp. with abusive language:
   a politician who specialized in invective against his opponents.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•vec•tive  (in vek′tiv), n. 

1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach.
2. a railing accusation;
   vituperation.
3. an insulting or abusive word or expression.

adj. 

4. vituperative;
   denunciatory;
   censoriously abusive.

• Late Latin invectīvus abusive, equivalent. to Latin invect(us) (past participle of invehī to attack with words, inveigh) + -īvus -ive
• late Middle English 1400–50

in•vec′tive•ly, adv. 
in•vec′tive•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. contumely, scorn. See abuse. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

invective / ɪnˈvɛktɪv/ noun

1. vehement accusation or denunciation, esp of a bitterly abusive or sarcastic kind

adjective

1. characterized by or using abusive language, bitter sarcasm, etc

Etymology: 15th Century: from Late Latin invectīvus reproachful, scolding, from Latin invectus carried in; see inveigh

inˈvectively adverb

inˈvectiveness noun