animadversion

/ˈænəmˈædˌvʌrʒən/

/ænɪmædˈvʌʒɪn/

Other forms: animadversions

Animadversion is a harsh, critical comment — or even a public censure. You don't hear it very often, but in Puritan times, dressing in bright colors and swearing would bring many animadversions down upon you.

Animadversion comes from the verb animadvert. In Middle English, animadvert meant simply to pay attention — to "turn your mind to" something, from the Latin animus ("mind") + ad- ("to") + vertere ("turn"). Anyone with parents can understand how a word that means "pay attention" can turn into a word that means "criticize."

Definitions of animadversion

1. noun

   harsh criticism or disapproval
   synonyms: censure

   types:

   interdict

   an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district

   type of:

   condemnation, disapprobation

   an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable