Invective (noun), from Middle English "invectif", or Old French and Late Latin "invectus", is an abusive, reproachful or venomous language used to express blame or censure; also, a rude expression or discourse intended to offend or hurt. Vituperation, or deeply-seated ill will, vitriol. Also: Invectivus, scolding.

The genre of invective

The "genre of invective" or "invective (genre)" is a form of classical libel used in Greek and Roman polemical verse. The preferred literary term for invective of the Renaissance is libel.

See also

• Libel (poetry)

References

• Farlex Free Dictionary, "in·vec·tive"
• Princeton University, Farlex Inc. 2003-2008: "in·vec·tive (n-vktv)"
• The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003: "in·vec·tive"
• Collins Essential English Dictionary, HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006