Dictionary term
Imprecation
Direct answer
Imprecation is the calling down of judgment, calamity, or curse, often in prayer or formal speech.
Imprecation means invoking judgment or curse language.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Curses & Spiritual Warfare
- Also appears in
- Curses & Spiritual Warfare
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Imprecation when explaining imprecatory psalms, lament, justice, anger, vengeance, and entrusting judgment to God.
- Do not use it for
- Do not teach users to pray harm over enemies as personal revenge.
- Reference category
- Curses & Spiritual Warfare
- Related terms
- Spiritual Warfare, Curse, Discernment, Prayer of Protection
The story behind Imprecation
The term appears in rhetoric, theology, and literature for curse-like appeals to judgment.
Imprecation in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Imprecation asks how anger over evil can be surrendered to God judgment.
The Great Almanac frames Imprecation with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Imprecation in the Bible
Imprecatory language in Scripture often gives suffering people words to bring rage and injustice before God rather than taking vengeance themselves.
Why Imprecation matters
Imprecation matters because biblical psalms include hard prayers, but they require careful interpretation.
Example in a reading: A page can say imprecatory prayer should be read through lament, justice, and Christ-shaped mercy.
Interpretive caution: Do not teach users to pray harm over enemies as personal revenge.
How Imprecation is used in a reading
Use Imprecation when explaining imprecatory psalms, lament, justice, anger, vengeance, and entrusting judgment to God.
Where interpretation stops
Information on Imprecation is presented strictly for educational, historical, and devotional purposes. Complex or sensitive spiritual topics are approached with absolute calm and balance, avoiding any ritual instructions, superstitions, or exaggerated claims. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or safety concerns related to these themes, we warmly encourage seeking support from trusted local pastoral, clinical, or counseling resources to ensure your well-being.
Safety note
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Personalized next step
See how Imprecation connects to your own birth chart, numerology, spiritual timing, and personal almanac.
Cast your natal chartRelated terms
These related entries help place Imprecation inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
