Obscenity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
Offensive or indecent behavior, language, or material, often violating societal standards of decency.
Synonyms:
vulgarity, profanity, indecency, lewdness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
decency, purity
Common Collocations:
utter obscenity, charge of obscenity, laws against obscenity
Derivatives:
obscene, obscenely
Usage Tips:
Use "obscenity" to describe highly offensive content; avoid in formal contexts unless discussing legal or moral issues.
Common Phrases:
shout obscenities, utter an obscenity, charge of obscenity
Etymology:
From Latin "obscenus," meaning ill-omened or morally repulsive; entered English via French in the late 16th century.
Examples:
- 1. The comedian's routine was criticized for its obscenity.
- 2. She gasped at the obscenity scrawled on the wall.
- 3. The film was banned due to its graphic obscenity.
- 4. He muttered an obscenity under his breath in frustration.