Which word refers to a curse or denunciation, particularly of one who is reviled?

The term "anathema" specifically denotes a curse or a strong denunciation directed at a person or a thing that is considered accursed or reviled. This word has its roots in religious contexts where individuals or ideas are formally rejected or condemned, often accompanying a sense of being an object of intense dislike or loathing. When something is labeled as anathema, it implies that it is completely opposite to the values or beliefs of the speaker, and is thus deserving of disdain or a curse.

In contrast, "animus" refers to a feeling of hostility or animosity, but does not carry the same connotations of formal denunciation or curse. "Ascetic" describes someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, often for spiritual reasons, and is unrelated to curses or denunciations. "Artless" typically describes someone lacking guile or sophistication, which does not connect to the concept of a curse or strong condemnation.

Therefore, the focus on formal denial and the weight of shame embedded in the meaning of "anathema" makes it the most fitting choice in this context.