Malediction
/ˌmæl.ɪˈdɪk.ʃən/noun
A magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or harm.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, maledictions were often inscribed on lead tablets, believed to summon curses upon enemies, showing the power of words in rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
maledictio
“The act of speaking evil or cursing.”
Old French
Old French
malediction
“A curse or evil speaking, used in magical contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
malediccioun
“A formal curse or incantation, especially in a religious or magical setting.”
Modern English
English
malediction
“A term referring to the act of invoking evil through spoken words, cementing its ties to witchcraft and the occult.”
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