PoliticsAugust 16, 2026

invective

in-VEK-tiv

Definition

Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language used to attack someone.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'invectivus' meaning 'reproachful,' which comes from the verb 'invehere' meaning 'to carry into' or 'to attack with words.'

In the news

The author describes Nigel Farage as having adopted a grittier persona, using 'invective' as a tool to channel his anger into political success.

A grittier, angrier Farage is rewriting the rules of politics

Read the full article ↗

The i Paper

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