Vocabulary word Obscene - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Anguish and Despair

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Degenerate and Deplorable

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Disgust and Aversion

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Fear and Ferocity

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Scorn and Censure

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Dictionary Definition of obscene

Offensive, indecent, or morally repugnant, typically related to explicit sexual content, graphic language, or shocking impropriety.
"The graffiti on the wall was filled with obscene language and imagery."

Detailed Meaning of Obscene

When something is labeled as obscene, it implies a flagrant disregard for accepted standards of decency or appropriateness, often intended to provoke strong negative reactions or shock. Obscene materials, such as explicit adult content or graphic violence, are generally considered inappropriate for public consumption and may be subject to censorship or legal restrictions in many societies. This term underscores the idea of something being beyond the boundaries of acceptable or socially sanctioned behavior or expression, and it often invokes discussions about freedom of speech, art, and the regulation of content in media and public spaces.

Example Sentences for Obscene

1. The comedian's jokes were deemed obscene by some members of the audience.
2. The movie was given an obscene rating due to its explicit content.
3. The politician's behavior was labeled as obscene by many of his colleagues.
4. The prices at the fancy restaurant were obscene, causing many to leave without ordering.
5. The company's profits were obscene, making many people question their business practices.
6. The behavior of the party guests became increasingly obscene as the night went on.

Origin and Etymology of Obscene

The adjective 'obscene' has an etymology rooted in both Latin and Old French. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'obscenus,' which originally meant 'ill-omened' or 'foul.' This Latin term was influenced by the Old French word 'obscène,' which meant 'indecent' or 'offensive.' Over time, the meanings of these words merged, and 'obscene' came to describe things that were not only indecent and offensive but also morally repugnant, particularly in the context of explicit sexual content, graphic language, or shocking impropriety. The etymology of 'obscene' reflects its historical associations with things that were considered ill-omened or foul, emphasizing the strong negative connotations of the term.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective obscene:

proper

lewd

tasteful

decent

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Obscene

1. The lyrics of the song were deemed obscene by the radio station and not played on air.
2. The movie director was criticized for including an obscene amount of violence in the film.
3. The graffiti artist was arrested for creating obscene art in public spaces.
4. The clothing brand received backlash for using an obscene amount of plastic in their packaging.
5. The billboard ad was taken down due to its obscene and offensive message.
6. The graffiti on the wall was filled with obscene images and words.
7. The comedian's jokes crossed the line into obscene territory.
8. The explicit movie was deemed obscene by some viewers.
9. The obscene comments made at the meeting were highly inappropriate.
10. The adult website featured obscene content.
11. The scandalous tabloid article contained obscene allegations.
12. The explicit lyrics in the song were considered obscene.
13. The book was banned due to its obscene descriptions.
14. The prank phone call was filled with obscene language.
15. The art exhibition included some truly obscene pieces.
16. The teacher reprimanded the student for drawing obscene images.
17. The obscene gestures from the audience disrupted the performance.
18. The explicit text messages were labeled as obscene harassment.
19. The comedian faced backlash for making obscene jokes.
20. The graphic novel contained scenes of obscene violence.
21. The movie's sex scene was criticized as being obscene.
22. The internet filter blocked access to obscene websites.
23. The indecent proposal was met with an obscene response.
24. The courtroom erupted in outrage at the defendant's obscene outburst.
25. The magazine cover featured an obscene image.
26. The email contained obscene content and was reported.
27. The obscene graffiti was painted over by city workers.
28. The protesters carried signs with obscene slogans.
29. The radio station was fined for airing obscene language.
30. The celebrity's obscene behavior shocked the public.