What does obscenity mean?
Obscenity denotes conduct, language, or material considered indecent, immoral, or offensive, especially under legal or widely accepted moral standards. The word can describe a specific offending act or publication, as in a legal challenge to alleged obscenity, while it can also refer more broadly to the quality of being indecent. In political and cultural discussion, calling something an obscenity often conveys outrage or disgust and may function as an intentionally forceful accusation. Its legal meaning is more restricted than its everyday meaning: the law does not simply punish everything that some viewers find offensive, but rather applies specific tests to material judged indecent according to contemporary community standards. The word is consequently serious and potentially inflammatory, and should generally be reserved for genuinely extreme conduct or material rather than used as a casual synonym for something merely annoying or exaggerated.
nounAn indecent, immoral, or offensive act, word, or publication, especially one regarded as contrary to accepted standards of morality or public decency. The term can also refer to behavior that is extreme, outrageous, or absurd.
- Behavior, language, or material that is indecent, immoral, or offensive, especially according to legal or social standards.
- An extreme, outrageous, or absurd act or example.
- The quality or condition of being indecent or morally offensive.
"The speaker was charged with distributing material deemed legally obscene."
"The court ruled that the novel was not obscene despite its explicit subject matter."
"His claim that the policy was an obscenity was dismissed as political rhetoric."
Used when referring to multiple indecent acts, expressions, or publications.
"The witness described the exchange as a series of shocking obscenities."
What counts as obscenity has changed with the times: the same words can shock one audience and pass unnoticed by another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obscenity come from?
Obscenity entered English in the late 16th century, drawing on the Latin noun obscenitas, meaning “indecency” or “filthiness.” That form was derived from the Latin adjective obscēnus, “disgusting, filthy, or indecent.” The English family includes the adjective obscene and the adverb obscenely, which developed alongside the noun and reflect the same historical source.
Related word forms
How obscenity is actually used
In legal contexts, obscenity usually refers to material or conduct that is legally unprotected because it is indecent. In general discussion, it can be used more broadly and rhetorically to describe something outrageous, but that use may sound deliberately exaggerated.
Easily confused with obscenity
Obscene is an adjective describing something indecent or offensive, whereas obscenity is a noun naming an indecent act, expression, or publication.