Execrate vs Defame - What's the difference?

In archaic terms the difference between execrate and defame

is that execrate is to invoke a curse while defame is to charge; to accuse.

is that execrate is to feel loathing for; abhor while defame is to harm or diminish the reputation of.

(en-verb)

To feel loathing for; abhor.

To declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce.

(archaic) To invoke a curse.

* execrable * execration * execrative * execratory

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(defam)

To harm or diminish the reputation of.

to defame somebody

To render infamous; to bring into disrepute.

* Dryden

My guilt thy growing virtues did defame ; / My blackness blotted thy unblemish'd name.

To publish a libel about.

(archaic) To charge; to accuse.

* Rebecca is defamed of sorcery practised on the person of a noble knight.

* See also

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