rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: ob-
Latin

ob-

toward, against; in the way

Forms

  • ob-
  • oc- — Used before c in Latin.
  • of- — Used before f in Latin.
  • op- — Used before p in Latin.

Origin

Usually traced to reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near; against.’

Note

Facing something can suggest either approaching it or standing in its way.

24 / 78
At a public meeting, a man standing beside a plain lectern recoils under forceful spoken criticism from two attendees, making public verbal condemnation—not physical conflict—the focus.
noun

obloquy

OB-luh-kwee/ˈɑːbləkwi/

Harsh public condemnation.

Etymology
obLatintoward, against; in the way
+loquyLatinspeak

Speaking “against” someone became evil speaking or slander. That connection explains both the verbal abuse itself and the public disgrace it can bring.

Full entry

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