Definitions

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Etymologies

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Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word mokusatsu.

Examples

  • The declaration closed with a threat of “prompt and utter destruction,” but did not mention two new factors: impending Soviet entry into the war and already-scheduled atomic strikes.17 With the cabinet divided over how to respond, Premier Suzuki used the phrase mokusatsu—he would ignore the declaration, “treat it with silent contempt.”

    How Wars end Gideon Rose 2010

  • Prime Minister Suzuki Kantaro, a long time opponent of the war with the United States, had no choice but to declare mokusatsu: contemptuous silence.

    Daniel Bruno Sanz: Bad Dreams From My Grandfather 2009

  • The reviewer chooses to quote a sentence of mine to the effect that the study lacks direct policy implications — and therefore, he implies, it is not worth taking seriously: mokusatsu.

    China Watching Moody, Peter R. 1979

  • a long time opponent of the war with the United States, had no choice but to declare mokusatsu: contemptuous silence.

    The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com Daniel Bruno Sanz 2009

Comments

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  • "the act of keeping a contemptuous silence."

    September 18, 2008

  • Citation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokusatsu

    September 18, 2008

  • Right... So basically there'll already be a link to Wikipedia.

    It's going to take me a while to get used to this...

    September 18, 2008

  • Take your time! You can find some tips on features and on faq. And for any question, just ask!

    September 18, 2008

  • There is a link, but thanks for providing the definition on this page, which is encouraged and appreciated.

    September 18, 2008

  • Encouraged and appreciated, esp. because I am going to cultivate the skill of keeping contemptuous silence. It sounds like fun.

    September 18, 2008

  • It's funny how a word can lead to the h-bomb

    September 18, 2008

  • Blimey, I got there in the end.

    September 18, 2008

  • I agree, c_b. Usually works much better than contemptuous speech. :-)

    September 18, 2008