Dictionary entry

Obnoxious

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ob‐nox″ious (ŏb‐nŏk″shŭs), a. [L. obnoxius; ob (see Ob-) + noxius hurtful. See Noxious.] 1. Subject; liable; exposed; answerable; amenable; — with to.

The writings of lawyers, which are tied obnoxious to their particular laws. Bacon.

Esteeming it more honorable to live on the public than to be obnoxious to any private purse. Milton.

Obnoxious, first or last,

To basest things Milton.

2. Liable to censure; exposed to punishment; reprehensible; blameworthy. “The contrived and interested schemes of... obnoxious authors.” Bp. Fell.

All are obnoxious, and this faulty land,

Like fainting Hester, does before you stand

Watching your scepter. Waller.

3. Offensive; odious; hateful; as, an obnoxious statesman; a minister obnoxious to the Whigs. Burke.

— Ob‐nox″ious‐ly, adv. — Ob‐nox″ious‐ness, n.South.