noun
Refers to a spoken magical formula, often with a negative or binding intent. Can be used in fantasy, occult, or figurative contexts.
魔女は呪言を唱えて、王子をカエルに変えた。
The witch chanted a spell and turned the prince into a frog.
彼の言葉はまるで呪言のように、私の心を縛りつけた。
His words bound my heart as if they were a curse.
呪文 is a more common word for 'spell' or 'incantation', often used in RPGs and fantasy. 呪言 is rarer and can carry a stronger nuance of a curse or binding words.
呪い is a general term for 'curse', focusing on the resulting affliction rather than the spoken formula. 呪言 emphasizes the words themselves.
Compound of 呪 (ju, 'curse, spell') and 言 (gon, 'word, speech'). The reading じゅげん is a variant, possibly influenced by the on'yomi of 言 (gen).