View synonyms for obscenity

obscenity

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural ob·scen·i·ties

the character or quality of being obscene; indecency; lewdness.
something obscene, as a picture or story.
an obscene word or expression, especially when used as an invective.
Synonyms: swear word, profanity, oath, cussword, cuss, curse word, curse

obscenity

/ əbˈsɛnɪtɪ /

obscenity

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 .)

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

Some might say there is also an obscenity to it, given the amount of poverty in the world.

Among these are obscenity, defamation, fighting words, express incitement to unlawful conduct, and threats.

One trucker did shout an obscenity, and a musclebound mechanic told them to go and do something useful like study.

An Alabama obscenity law passed in 1998 made the sale of most sex toys illegal in the state.

Coined “obscenity regulations,” on face value they appear to ban material that “depicts or describes sexual misconduct.”

They rebelled at the immorality of his conduct and the obscenity of his writings; and he resolved that they should accept both.

The charge was "obscenity," and they had been arrested at the instance of Anthony Comstock.

Another feature in common is the rank realism and open obscenity which marked the humours of both species.

That means losing ground at an increasing rate to the obscenity crawling over our planet.

Aaron Stoltzfoos dropped the lantern to his side, amazed that the dignified old man could be guilty of such an obscenity.

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