invective
in-VEK-tivnounMeaning insulting, abusive language
Memory hook in-SECT-ive: words that STING. When his kite gets stuck in a tree, Rex lets fly a swarm of stinging insults at everyone nearby: his invective stings like a cloud of bees.
The two rival chefs traded invective across the crowded kitchen.
In context The debate began politely, but it soon sank into invective, with both speakers calling each other names instead of discussing the question.
Similar abuse, insults, vitriol, name-calling
Opposite praise, compliments
From Late Latin invectivus, “abusive,” from invehi (to attack with words), literally “to carry oneself against.”