What does malediction mean?
A malediction is a spoken or written curse: a solemn expression intended to invoke misfortune, disaster, or destruction upon another person or group. The word has a formal, literary, and often dramatic quality, so it appears in historical narratives, religious rhetoric, fantasy and folklore, and deliberately elevated prose. It can refer both to the words of a curse and, by extension, to the supposed harmful consequence associated with them. In ordinary speech, “curse” is usually the natural choice, while “malediction” gives the idea greater gravity and ceremony. The term derives from Latin, where maledictio combined malus, meaning “bad,” with dicere, meaning “to say,” reflecting the ancient practice of calling down evil by words.
nounA word or utterance expressing a wish that harm or misfortune will come to someone, especially as a curse or threat.
- A word, formula, or act that expresses a curse or wishes harm upon someone.
"She felt as though a malediction had placed the entire family under a shadow."
"The old story ends with the king's malediction falling upon the usurper."
"He spoke the malediction with such fury that the crowd fell silent."
Used when referring to multiple curses or hostile expressions of ill will.
"The ancient tablets contained maledictions against anyone who disturbed the burial ground."
Malediction is a curse in a more elevated register—a forceful word for calling down disaster on someone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malediction come from?
Malediction comes from Latin maledictio, a noun formed from maledictus, “ill-spoken” or “accursed.” Its elements are malus, “bad,” and dicere, “to say,” so the basic sense is a hostile or damaging utterance. The word entered English through Latin and Old French in the medieval period. Related forms include maledict, meaning “one who is cursed,” and maledictive or maledictory, meaning “of or relating to a curse.”
Related word forms
How malediction is actually used
This is a formal and literary word, often carrying a sense of solemnity or dramatic intensity. In ordinary conversation, “curse” is more common. The plural “maledictions” is used for multiple curses or expressions of hostility.
Easily confused with malediction
A malediction is a curse or hostile utterance, while a maledict is a person or thing that is cursed.
Malison is a less common or archaic word for a curse, whereas malediction is the standard modern noun.