word #oftheday: obloquy

Definition of OBLOQUY

1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language

2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute

Examples of OBLOQUY

1. a victim of hatred and obloquy
2. <unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed a torrent of obloquy on her opponent>

Origin of OBLOQUY

Middle English obloquie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin obloquium, from obloqui to speak against, from ob- against + loqui to speak. First Known Use: 15th century

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Or, as taken from Dictionary.com:

ob·lo·quy

[ob-luh-kwee] noun, plural ob·lo·quies.

1. censure, blame, or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, especially by numerous persons or by the general public.

2. discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse, or denunciation.

Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English  < Late Latin obloquium  contradiction, equivalent to Latin obloqu ( ī ) to contradict ( ob- ob-  + loquī  to speak) + -ium -ium