ENGLISH
REFERENCE

obscenity

n.
C1 Advanced US //əbˈsɛnɪti// UK //ɒbsˈɛnɪti// ob·scen·i·ty

n. language or behavior that is very rude, offensive, or shocking. It is often used to describe words that are considered too dirty to say in public.

n. language or behavior that is offensive, indecent, or socially unacceptable. Often refers to profanity or explicit sexual content.


SIMPLE

The film was banned for its graphic obscenity.

CONTEXTUAL

The comedian was asked to leave the club after using a word of extreme obscenity during his set.

COMPLEX

The legal battle centered on whether the publication's use of obscenity was protected speech or a violation of public morals.

Synonyms
Origin

From obscene + -ity, from Latin obscenitas.

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