obscenity

[uhb-sen-i-tee, -see-ni-]

noun

plural

obscenities 

1. the character or quality of being obscene; indecency; lewdness.

2. something obscene, as a picture or story.

3. an obscene word or expression, especially when used as an invective.

   Synonyms: swear word, profanity, oath, cussword, cuss, curse word, curse

obscenity

/ əbˈsɛnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obscene

2. an obscene act, statement, word, etc

obscenity

1. Behavior, appearance, or expression (such as films and books) that violate accepted standards of sexual morality. American courts have long tried to define obscenity but without much success. Some believe, for example, that any depiction of nudity is obscene; others would argue that nudity in itself is not obscene. (See four-letter words (see also four-letter words) and pornography.)

Other Word Forms

• antiobscenity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obscenity¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from French obscenité, from Latin obscēnitās, equivalent to obscēn(us) obscene + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

She admitted shouting an obscenity at Ms Ellis while telling her to "get out of my face".

From BBC

She admitted shouting an obscenity at Ms Ellis while telling her to "get out of my face", adding: "We're literally screaming at each other."

From BBC

"Overall, the atmosphere seemed to be strongly against the protest, with many members of the audience annoyed and shouting obscenities with anger at the protesters."

From BBC

She admithed shouted an obscenity at Ms Ellis while telling her to "get out of my face", adding: "We're literally screaming at each other."

From BBC

Trebach allegedly “continued to hit the car with her signs and fists while yelling obscenities at agents. After vehicles evaded her, she again physically blocked and impeded CBP from completing their duties.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• four-letter word 
• indecency 
• pornography 
• profanity 
• smut 
• vulgarity