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Fiend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฟ
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fiend

[fiหnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

evil

A fiend is an evil and wicked person, often associated with causing harm or mischief.

Synonyms

devil, malefactor, villain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fiend

Fiend is repeated here, so the context and examples are the same as listed above.

  • The fiend tormented the villagers every night.
  • He's a fiend for puzzles, spending hours on them every day.
villain

Villain is often used in stories, movies, and plays to describe the main bad character who opposes the hero. It can also apply to real-life people who act immorally.

  • The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history.
  • He turned out to be the villain in the office, always trying to sabotage his colleagues.
malefactor

Malefactor is a more formal term for someone who commits crimes or does something wrong, usually in a moral or legal sense.

  • The police were finally able to capture the malefactor responsible for the thefts.
  • In the novel, the main malefactor is revealed to be the protagonist's friend.
devil

Devil is commonly used in religious or mythological contexts to describe a supreme spirit of evil. In everyday speech, it can refer to a very wicked or troublesome person.

  • They believed the forest was haunted by the devil himself.
  • She's a little devil, always causing trouble in class.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a fiend who terrorized the town.
  • The fiend plotted to steal the treasure from the castle.
Context #2 | Noun

enthusiast

A fiend can also refer to a person who is extremely enthusiastic or obsessed about something.

Synonyms

addict, enthusiast, fanatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fiend

Often used to describe someone who is extremely passionate about something to the point of obsession, it can have a negative connotation suggesting an unhealthy level of enthusiasm or addiction.

  • He's a gym fiend, working out twice a day and meticulously counting calories
enthusiast

A positive term that describes someone who has a keen interest or passion for a particular activity or subject, without necessarily having the negative connotations of obsession.

  • He's a basketball enthusiast, never missing a game and always learning about new techniques
fanatic

Describes someone with extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, often in a way that is unreasonable or overly intense. This term can have negative implications, especially if it suggests irrational behavior.

  • She is a health fanatic, obsessively following every diet trend and fitness routine
addict

Typically refers to someone who has a compulsive or chronic need for a substance or activity that is often harmful, especially used in the context of drugs or behaviors.

  • She's an internet addict, spending almost every waking hour online

Examples of usage

  • She is a coffee fiend, always looking for the best beans.
  • He's a fitness fiend, never missing a day at the gym.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic stories, fiends are often depicted as antagonists, like the devil in Dante's Inferno.
  • Authors like Shakespeare used the term to describe morally corrupt characters, enhancing their evil nature.
  • In contemporary fantasy, fiends often appear as supernatural beings from other realms, adding depth to evil forces.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'fiend' is often used in music genres like heavy metal to describe a rebellious or dark persona.
  • In video games, a fiend might refer to a challenging enemy that players must overcome, creating thrilling gameplay.
  • Popular movies frequently feature fiendish characters as villains, driving the plot against the hero.

Psychology

  • The concept of the fiend can represent the darker aspects of human nature, like jealousy or malice.
  • In literature and film, fiends are often used as metaphors for inner struggles and moral failings.
  • Psychologically, the fascination with fiends in stories can be attributed to a desire to understand evil.

Religion

  • In various religious texts, fiends are often depicted as tempters or adversaries, testing the faith of characters.
  • The idea of a fiend exists in many cultures, symbolizing the battle between good and evil.
  • Some belief systems identify fiends with demonic entities that seek to lead people astray.

Origin of 'fiend'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'feond,' meaning enemy or opponent.
  • Originally used to refer to a hateful person or an evil spirit in folklore.
  • In some contexts, it also relates to a word for 'serpent' in ancient languages, emphasizing cunning and trickery.

The word 'fiend' originated from the Old English 'fฤ“ond', which means enemy or foe. Over time, it evolved to refer to a wicked or evil person. The term has been used in literature and folklore to depict malevolent characters. In modern usage, 'fiend' can also describe someone with an intense passion or enthusiasm for a particular activity or interest.

See also: fiendish.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,936, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.