Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language used to express strong disapproval or anger. Harsh verbal attack or denunciation.
From Latin 'invectiva' (abusive speech), from 'invehere' meaning 'to carry in' or 'to attack with words,' from 'in-' (into) + 'vehere' (to carry). The idea is that harsh words are 'carried into' or launched at the target like weapons.
Think 'in-VECTIVE'—words that are 'vectored in' like missiles aimed at someone! The 'vect' root relates to carrying or directing (like 'vector'), so invective is harsh language directed or carried toward a target to attack them verbally.
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