Malefactor: meaning, definitions and examples
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malefactor
[ˈmælɪˌfæktər ]
Definition
criminal behavior
A malefactor is a person who commits a crime or some other wrong deed. Malefactors can range from petty thieves to violent criminals.
Synonyms
criminal, offender, wrongdoer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malefactor |
This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who has done something wrong or illegal. It can sound old-fashioned.
|
| criminal |
Use this word in general contexts when referring to someone who has committed a crime. It's commonly used in everyday language and legal discussions.
|
| wrongdoer |
This term is typically used in moral or ethical discussions to describe someone who has done something morally wrong. It is less severe than 'criminal' and can be used in a more informal manner.
|
| offender |
This word is often used in legal contexts to refer to someone who has broken the law, especially in formal documents and discussions. It can also refer to someone who repeatedly commits offenses.
|
Examples of usage
- He was caught red-handed by the police and identified as the malefactor behind the burglary.
- The town was plagued by a group of malefactors who were responsible for a series of robberies.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Latin 'malefactor,' meaning 'one who commits a crime,' where 'mater' means evil and 'facere' means to do.
- It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe wrongdoers or criminals.
- Its roots connect to other words like 'malicious' and 'malevolent,' both related to doing harm.
Law
- In legal terminology, a malefactor is not just anyone doing something wrong; it usually refers to someone guilty of serious violations.
- Historically, malefactors could be sentenced to harsh punishments, including public humiliation or worse.
- The term is sometimes used more broadly today to describe anyone engaging in unethical behavior, even outside of the legal realm.
Literature
- Characters labeled as malefactors often serve as antagonists in stories, embodying the conflict between good and evil.
- Classic literature, like Shakespeare's plays, frequently features malefactors as pivotal characters that drive the plot's tension.
- Authors use the concept of a malefactor to explore themes of morality, justice, and redemption.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, malefactors are often depicted as villains, creating challenges for heroes and protagonists.
- Popular superhero films often revolve around the confrontation between a hero and a malefactor intending to harm society.
- The concept of malefactors has inspired countless video games where players must thwart their plans or stop their actions.
Psychology
- Studying malefactor behavior helps psychologists understand the motivations behind criminal actions and societal harm.
- Some theories suggest that environmental factors can lead individuals to become malefactors, emphasizing nature versus nurture.
- Criminal profiling in psychology often categorizes malefactors to help in the prevention and solution of crimes.
Translations
Translations of the word "malefactor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 malfeitor
🇮🇳 अपराधी
🇩🇪 Übeltäter
🇮🇩 penjahat
🇺🇦 злочинець
🇵🇱 przestępca
🇯🇵 悪人 (akunin)
🇫🇷 malfaiteur
🇪🇸 malhechor
🇹🇷 kötü niyetli
🇰🇷 악인 (agin)
🇸🇦 مجرم
🇨🇿 zločinec
🇸🇰 páchateľ
🇨🇳 坏人 (huàirén)
🇸🇮 zločinec
🇮🇸 glæpamaður
🇰🇿 қылмыскер
🇬🇪 დამნაშავე
🇦🇿 cinayətkar
🇲🇽 malhechor