
[From Middle English invectif, denunciatory, from Old French, from Late Latin invectīvus, reproachful, abusive, from Latin invectus, past participle of invehī, to inveigh against. See inveigh.]
invectively in·vec'tive·ly adv.
noun
adjective
Definition: verbal abuse
Antonyms: compliment, flattery, praise
invective, the harsh denunciation of some person or thing in abusive speech or writing, usually by a succession of insulting epithets. Among many memorable examples in Shakespeare is Timon's verbal assault upon his false friends in Timon of Athens:
Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,
Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
You fools of fortune, trencher‐friends, time's flies,
Cap‐and‐knee slaves, vapours, and minute‐jacks!
Verb: inveigh.
See also flyting, Juvenalian satire, lampoon.
The art of invective resembles the art of boxing. Very few fights are won with the straight left. It is too obvious, and it can be too easily countered.
— Gilbert Highet (1906-1978), Scottish-born U.S. biographer, critic, educator.
LearnThatWord.com is a free vocabulary and spelling program where you only pay for results!

Nederlands (Dutch)
beschimping, sterke aanvallende taal, beledigende uitspraken
Français (French)
n. - invectives
Deutsch (German)
n. - Schmähung
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - υβρεολόγιο, βρισίδι
Português (Portuguese)
n. - invectiva (f)
Русский (Russian)
обличительная речь, бранный
Español (Spanish)
n. - invectiva, improperios
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - invektiv, skymford, skällsord
中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
恶言漫骂, 臭骂
中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 惡言漫罵, 臭罵
日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 毒舌, 悪口, ののしり
adj. - 侮辱的な
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) قدح, ذم, طعن
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - חירוף, גידוף, קללה
If you are unable to view some languages clearly, click here.