noun

invective

in-VEK-tiv

Invective (noun) means Fierce, insulting language used to attack someone or something. Example: “The letter was three pages of pure invective.”

noun

Fierce, insulting language used to attack someone or something.

"The letter was three pages of pure invective."

"He met every question with a stream of invective."

adjective

formal Consisting of or characterised by such abusive attack.

"The pamphlet's invective style made it notorious."

How to Use Invective

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAngry, insulting language aimed at someone.

When to use it

Formal and literary; it names the abuse without repeating it, which makes it useful in serious reporting.

Memory tip

Invective is usually uncountable: say 'a torrent of invective', not 'many invectives'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

invective / invasive invective / diatribe

Common pairings

a stream of invective hurl invective political invective bitter invective

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The letter was three pages of pure _____.

Etymology

From Latin invectivus 'abusive', from invehi 'to attack with words', literally 'to be carried into'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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abuse vituperation tirade denunciation diatribe abusive vituperative denunciatory

Antonyms

praise commendation eulogy

Related Words

step attack credit award abuse criticism rape glory

Rhymes for invective

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

See all rhymes for invective →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between invective and a diatribe?

A diatribe is a single long, angry speech or piece of writing. Invective is the abusive language itself, which can appear in a diatribe or in a single sentence. One is the container, the other the contents.

Is invective the same as swearing?

Not necessarily. Invective is defined by hostility and insult rather than by particular words, and some of the most famous invective in English contains no obscenity at all.

Can invective be an adjective?

Yes, though it is uncommon. Most writers use 'invective' as a noun and reach for 'vituperative' or 'abusive' when they need the adjective.

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