Heinous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
heinous
[หheษชnษs ]
Definitions
criminal behavior
hatefully or shockingly evil; abominable; atrocious
Synonyms
atrocious, horrendous, monstrous, vile, wicked.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heinous |
Used to describe extremely wicked or deeply criminal acts, often associated with moral outrage.
|
| atrocious |
Typically used to describe something horrifyingly bad, often referring to violent acts or exceptionally poor quality.
|
| vile |
Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or morally reprehensible.
|
| wicked |
Refers to something morally very bad or evil, often used in a lighter, sometimes even playful, manner.
|
| monstrous |
Describes something that is extremely evil, cruel, or unusually large and frightening.
|
| horrendous |
Best used for situations that are extremely shocking, horrifying, or upsetting.
|
Examples of usage
- The heinous crime shocked the entire community.
- The heinous act of violence left a lasting impact on the victims' families.
behavior
outrageously evil or wicked
Synonyms
atrocious, horrendous, monstrous, vile, wicked.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heinous |
Usually describes extremely evil or wicked actions, typically involving serious crimes or moral offenses.
|
| atrocious |
Used to describe actions or behaviors that are horrifyingly wicked or very bad in quality. It can also refer to something that is of very poor quality.
|
| vile |
Describes something that is morally bad or extremely unpleasant. It often has a very strong negative connotation.
|
| wicked |
Typically refers to evil or morally wrong actions, but can also be used informally to mean something cool or impressive in certain contexts.
|
| monstrous |
Refers to actions or behaviors that are shockingly horrible or cruel, often with a sense of being enormous or overwhelmingly bad.
|
| horrendous |
Describes something that is extremely shocking or bad, often referring to situations that cause a lot of fear or discomfort.
|
Examples of usage
- His heinous behavior towards his employees led to his downfall.
- The heinous act of betrayal shattered their friendship.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous works often highlight heinous acts to critique societal issues, such as Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' which tackles themes of ambition and murder.
- In Gothic literature, heinous deeds are commonly depicted as a way to explore the dark side of human nature, like in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
- Modern novels also use the term to describe characters or actions that embody moral corruption, encouraging readers to reflect on ethics.
Law
- In legal contexts, 'heinous crimes' refer to particularly egregious offenses, like murder or child abuse, which receive harsher penalties.
- The term is often used to portray crimes that elicit public outrage, influencing lawmakers to impose stricter regulations.
- Jurors may be instructed to consider the heinousness of a crime when deciding on sentences, especially in capital cases.
Psychology
- Research into heinous behavior often examines the psychological aspects that lead individuals to commit severe acts, including upbringing and mental health.
- Studies show that heinous actions are frequently linked to a lack of empathy, suggesting that emotional disconnect can drive negative actions.
- Understanding the roots of such behavior can inform prevention strategies, helping society address underlying causes.
Pop Culture
- Television series often highlight heinous acts in crime dramas to create tension and engage viewers, like in shows such as 'Breaking Bad'.
- The portrayal of heinous crimes in films can sometimes lead to public discourse about morality and justice, as seen in movies like 'Se7en'.
- Social media platforms take action against heinous behavior, emphasizing a collective effort to combat hate speech and violence online.
Origin of 'heinous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'haineux', meaning 'hateful', which is linked to 'haine' for 'hatred'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'inania', meaning 'without worth', reflecting its negative connotation.
- The term gained prominence in English around the 14th century, evolving through use in legal and literary contexts.
The word 'heinous' originated from Middle English in the late 15th century, derived from the Old French word 'haineus' meaning 'hateful' or 'odious'. It has been used to describe abominable and atrocious acts throughout history, emphasizing the shocking and evil nature of certain behaviors.