adjective
obscene
ub-SEEN/əbˈsiːn/
Deeply offensive to accepted standards of decency.
One man makes an obscene gesture, and the other recoils.
Etymology
Latin obscenus originally meant “ill-omened” and also meant “offensive,” especially to modesty. That modesty sense underlies the modern sexual or indecent offensiveness; the word’s deeper origin is unknown.
In context
material that lacks serious artistic, political, or scientific value and depicts sexual conduct in a way that offends most people can be considered obscene.
More examples
- The comedian's obscene jokes make several audience members uncomfortable.
- She reports the obscene messages to the police.
- They charge an obscene amount for a bottle of water.
Forms
obscene
obscenity noun — Language or behavior that violates decency.
obscenely adverb — In an offensive or outrageously excessive way.