1 execrate | Definition of execrate
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execrate

verb
ex·​e·​crate | \ ˈek-sə-ˌkrāt How to pronounce execrate (audio) \
execrated; execrating

Definition of execrate

transitive verb

1 : to declare to be evil or detestable : denounce
2 : to detest utterly
Other Words from execrate Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about execrate

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Other Words from execrate

execrative \ ˈek-​sə-​ˌkrā-​tiv How to pronounce execrative (audio) \ adjective
execrator \ ˈek-​sə-​ˌkrā-​tər How to pronounce execrator (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for execrate

Synonyms

anathematize, censure, condemn, damn, decry, denounce, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms

bless

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Did You Know?

To Latinists, there's nothing cryptic about the origins of execrate-the word derives from exsecratus, the past participle of the Latin verb exsecrari, meaning "to put under a curse." Exsecrari was itself created by combining the prefix ex- ("not") and the word sacer ("sacred"). Sacer is also an ancestor of such English words as sacerdotal ("relating to priests"), sacral ("holy or sacred"), sacrifice, sacrilege, and of course sacred itself. There's also execration, which, true to its exsecrari roots, means "the act of cursing" or "the curse so uttered."

Examples of execrate in a Sentence

She came to execrate the hypocritical values of her upper-class upbringing. leaders from around the world execrated the terrorists responsible for the bomb blast

Recent Examples on the Web

 Many Democrats striving to replace Donald Trump are, while execrating him, paying him the sincerest form of flattery: imitation. — George Will, National Review, "How Can Presidential Candidates Be So Silly?," 7 July 2019 Many Democrats striving to replace Donald Trump are, while execrating him, paying him the sincerest form of flattery: imitation. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: How can presidential candidates be so silly?," 7 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'execrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of execrate

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for execrate

Latin exsecratus, past participle of exsecrari to put under a curse, from ex + sacr-, sacer sacred

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More Definitions for execrate

execrate

verb
How to pronounce execrate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of execrate

formal : to dislike and criticize (someone or something) very strongly

See the full definition for execrate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on execrate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with execrate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for execrate

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