verbicide

noun

ver·​bi·​cide ˈvər-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce verbicide (audio)
1
: deliberate distortion of the sense of a word (as in punning)
2
: one who distorts the sense of a word

Word History

Etymology

Latin verbum "word, verb entry 1" + -i- + -cide

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of verbicide was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near verbicide

Cite this Entry

“Verbicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbicide. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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