What does obloquy mean?
Obloquy denotes severe blame or censure, particularly when it is publicly expressed and damages a person's reputation or social standing. Unlike a simple accusation, obloquy implies a broader atmosphere of condemnation: someone may be described as lying under obloquy, meaning that they bear the damaging effects of public hostility. The word can also name the condition of being discredited or disgraced through such hostility. It is chiefly formal and literary, appearing in historical writing, legal contexts, and elevated prose rather than everyday conversation. Although still understood, it sounds dated to many modern speakers and is more distinctive than the everyday words blame, criticism, or censure. Its unusual sound and its literal history also make it useful in discussion of reputation, public judgment, and the social power of language. A writer might choose it to convey condemnation that is broader and more consequential than a single unfavorable opinion.
nounBlame, censure, or adverse criticism directed at someone, especially as a public or social condemnation. It can also refer to a state of discredit or disgrace arising from such condemnation.
- Blame, censure, or hostile criticism directed at a person or group.
- A state of discredit, disgrace, or public condemnation.
"The inquiry exposed him to obloquy without establishing the truth of the allegations."
"The newspaper campaign brought years of obloquy upon the former minister."
"After the verdict was overturned, the family continued to lie under a cloud of obloquy."
The standard plural is obloquies, with the second syllable pronounced /kwiːz/.
"The politician weathered repeated obloquies without losing public support."
Obloquy is a formal word for public blame whose Latin roots literally mean "to speak against."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obloquy come from?
Obloquy entered English in the 16th century from Latin obloquium, a word associated with speaking against another person. Its elements are the prefix ob-, meaning against, and loqui, meaning to speak. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as eloquy, colloquy, and soliloquy.
Related word forms
How obloquy is actually used
This is a formal and somewhat archaic word, now encountered chiefly in literary, historical, or deliberately elevated prose. It often suggests sustained public condemnation rather than ordinary criticism.
Easily confused with obloquy
Obloquy means blame or public condemnation, whereas eloquy means fluent and persuasive speaking.