obscene

ob-scene · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency, especially relating to sexual matters.

  2. 2.

    Morally outrageous and offensive.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    obscene gesture — a rude hand signal
  • •
    obscene language — vulgar or indecent words
  • •
    obscene wealth — an excessive or shocking amount of money

Related words

Antonyms: clean, decent, modest, proper
See also: indecent, offensive, vulgar
Synonyms: indecent, lewd, offensive, vulgar

Etymology

From Latin obscenus ("offensive, disgusting, indecent"), of uncertain origin. Possibly from ob- ("toward") + caenum ("filth").