profanity

[US]/prə'fænɪtɪ/
[UK]/prə'fænəti/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. language or speech that is disrespectful or offensive, especially towards sacred things; profane language or speech.

Example Sentences

unseemly to use profanity;

His profanity was unimaginative.

He uttered a stream of profanities.

was buried with indecent haste;indecorous behavior;language unbecoming to a lady;unseemly to use profanity;moved to curb their untoward ribaldry.

He used profanity when he was angry.

She was offended by the profanity in the movie.

Profanity is not allowed in the workplace.

The comedian's routine was full of profanity.

She reprimanded her son for using profanity.

The teacher warned the students against using profanity.

The profanity-laden lyrics were controversial.

Profanity can be a sign of disrespect.

The profanity filter blocked inappropriate language.

He apologized for his profanity and promised not to do it again.

Real-world Examples

Features profanity, substance abuse and graphic violence.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

The unintelligible stream of profanities started again.

Source: Twilight: Eclipse

By contrast, swear words or profanity – means rude language that offends or upsets people.

Source: 6 Minute English

If someone wants to hear profanity, they can take a subway.

Source: Black Swan Selection

Trulioo Flags when an officer uses insults threats or profanity.

Source: VOA Standard English (Video Version) - 2023 Collection

Judge Janice K. Cunningham told the man not to use profanity.

Source: VOA Special February 2018 Collection

Mrs. Solis, this school has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to profanity.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 6

This clearly includes profanities, which were sometimes excluded from dictionaries in the past.

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

And no word of profanity or you're off the floor for the day.

Source: What it takes: Celebrity Interviews

Bengies, a drive-in outside Baltimore, does not allow alcohol, profanity, car-horns or headlights-which seemed reasonable.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now