obscenity

obscenity (countable and uncountable, plural obscenities)

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) The qualities that make something obscene; lewdness, indecency, or offensive behaviour.

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