rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryobscenityGross indecency
noun

obscenity

uhb-SEN-uh-tee/əbˈsenəti/

Something considered grossly indecent or offensive.

The exhibitionist's public obscenity makes the pedestrians recoil in shock.

Obscenity as offensive sexual behavior: adult pedestrians recoil from a public exhibitionist, shown entirely from behind with his body concealed by an opaque coat.
Etymology
obscenLatinoffensive, indecent
+ityLatinquality or state

Latin obscenus meant “offensive,” especially to modesty. The noun extended from the quality of indecency to indecent acts and expressions; the adjective’s deeper origin is unknown.

In context

Living History by Dr Julia Martins11:55
John Cleland's 1749 pornographic novel Fanny Hill, or Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. This book became an international scandal. It was prosecuted for obscenity, banned, and pirated, yet it circulated widely.
The Business of Virginity in 18th-Century London

More examples

  • The anonymous message is full of obscenities.
  • The editor removes an obscenity from the quoted remark.
  • She calls the waste of food an obscenity.

Forms

obscenity · obscenities

obscene adjective — Grossly indecent or offensive to others.

Similar words

profanity
Usually concerns offensive language, especially language disrespectful toward religion.
vulgarity
Emphasizes crude taste or manners rather than extreme offensiveness.