- Today's Word
Obloquy
OB-luh-kwee
Definition
(noun) Strong public criticism or verbal abuse.
Example
The whistleblower endured weeks of obloquy from former allies.
Fun Fact
Derived from Latin ob (against) and loqui (to speak), obloquy is more than just criticism—it’s reputation-damaging, widespread condemnation. Historically used in political and religious contexts, it now shows up in media scandals and cancel culture debates. What sets obloquy apart from “criticism” is its publicness and intensity—it’s the backlash you feel everywhere.
(adjective) Lying face upward; also used metaphorically to describe passivity or lack of resistance.
He lay supine beneath the stars, completely at peace.
Late Middle English: from Latin supinus, meaning “bent backward” or “reclining.”