evil

e-vil · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Profoundly immoral and wicked; causing harm or injury.

  2. 2.

    (of something) Harmful or unpleasant.

  3. 3.

    Profound immorality, wickedness, or depravity.

  4. 4.

    Something that causes harm, suffering, or misfortune.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    the lesser of two evils — the less harmful of two bad choices
  • •
    evil eye — a look believed to cause harm or bad luck
  • •
    necessary evil — something unpleasant that must be accepted for a greater good
  • •
    speak no evil — refrain from saying bad things about others
  • •
    root of all evil — the source of all wrongdoing (often said of money)

Related words

Antonyms: benevolent, good, righteous, virtuous
See also: good, malevolent, virtue, wicked
Synonyms: malevolent, malicious, sinful, vile, wicked

Etymology

From Old English "yfel" meaning "bad, vicious, wicked," from Proto-Germanic "*ubilaz." Related to Dutch "euvel" and German "Übel."