Definition of "obscenity" in English

noun

1. (countable) Something that is obscene.

   • Martha wouldn't go into the art museum because, as she put it, "They have obscenities just sitting out, on display!"

2. (countable) An act of obscene behaviour.

   • Bestiality was outlawed as an obscenity in the strongly conservative community.

3. (countable) Specifically, an offensive word; a profanity; a dirty word.

   • Eliza couldn't stand her daughter's music; as she saw it, it was just shouted obscenities and a heavy drum beat.

4. (uncountable) Lewdness, indecency, or offensive behaviour or material.

   • The coalition of religious conservatives was campaigning against, in their view, rampant obscenity in the entertainment industry.

5. (uncountable) The fact of being obscene.