Evildoer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evildoer

[หˆiหvษชlduหษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal

A person who intentionally does bad or harmful things, especially someone who commits crimes or immoral acts.

Synonyms

criminal, villain, wrongdoer.

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Word Description / Examples
evildoer

Used for a general description of someone who commits morally bad acts. Often used in literary or formal contexts.

  • The hero set out to defeat the evildoer lurking in the shadows.
  • In the story, the evildoer manipulates others to achieve their malevolent goals.
wrongdoer

Refers to someone who does something ethically or morally wrong, without necessarily breaking the law. Common in everyday language.

  • The wrongdoer apologized for causing harm to the community.
  • As a teacher, she believed that every wrongdoer deserved a chance for redemption.
villain

Used mainly in stories, films, or theatrical contexts to describe a character who opposes the hero and engages in evil actions.

  • The villain in the movie planned to take over the world.
  • Every good story needs a hero and a villain to create conflict.
criminal

Used to describe someone who breaks the law and engages in illegal activities. Commonly used in legal, reporting, and conversational contexts.

  • The police arrested the criminal after a long investigation.
  • He was convicted as a criminal for his involvement in the robbery.

Examples of usage

  • The evildoer was finally caught and brought to justice.
  • She saw herself as a crusader against the evildoers in society.
Context #2 | Noun

fictional

A character in stories or movies who is the antagonist or villain, often causing trouble or harm to the main characters.

Synonyms

antagonist, bad guy, villain.

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Word Description / Examples
evildoer

This term is often associated with someone who engages in morally wrong or harmful activities. It can be used in both serious and less formal settings.

  • The evildoer was finally caught by the detective
  • Parents often told stories to scare children about evildoers in the night
villain

This term is typically used to represent a character in stories, films, and plays who is evil or has ill intent. It often carries a dramatic connotation. It also can be used in real-life situations to describe someone perceived as evil.

  • The villain's plan was to take over the world
  • Everyone in the town saw him as a villain after his betrayal
antagonist

This term is commonly used in literature, films, and other storytelling mediums to denote the main character who opposes the protagonist. It is more neutral and less emotional than other terms.

  • The antagonist in the story was always one step ahead of the hero
  • In many novels, the antagonist's motivations are complex and not wholly evil
bad guy

A colloquial and informal term often used in everyday conversations and simpler storytelling. It is casual and easy to understand, generally without deep moral implications.

  • In the movie, the bad guy chased the hero through the city
  • Kids always love playing the roles of good guys and bad guys

Examples of usage

  • The evildoer in the fairy tale was a wicked sorceress who cast spells on the kingdom.
  • The evildoer's plot to take over the world was foiled by the hero.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many stories, evildoers are the characters who oppose heroes, creating conflict and tension.
  • Classic tales like 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' feature evildoers whose actions drive the plot forward.

Psychology

  • Research shows that individuals labeled as evildoers often exhibit traits such as lack of empathy and high levels of aggression.
  • Understanding the motivations behind their behavior can help in addressing issues of crime and violence.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray evildoers with exaggerated characteristics, cementing their role as villains in the audience's mind, such as the Joker from 'Batman.'
  • Comic books frequently show the dynamic between heroes and evildoers, illustrating the perpetual battle between good and evil.

History

  • Throughout history, figures like dictators and tyrants have been labeled as evildoers for their oppressive actions.
  • In religious texts, evildoers often face consequences for their actions, serving as moral lessons for followers.

Origin of 'evildoer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'evildoer' combines 'evil,' meaning bad or wrong, with 'doer,' which refers to someone who acts.
  • It has been used in English literature since the 16th century to describe someone who commits wicked deeds.

The word 'evildoer' originated from Middle English in the 13th century, derived from 'evil' + 'doer'. It has been used to describe those who commit immoral or criminal acts throughout history, often appearing in literature and religious texts to depict characters who embody wickedness or wrongdoing.


See also: evil, evilly, evilness.