evil

The definition of evil is something morally bad, harmful or ominous.

(adjective)

An example of something that would be described as evil is a plot to commit murder.

Evil is defined as the quality of being morally bad or something that causes harm or misfortune.

(noun)

An example of an evil is discrimination.

See evil in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. morally bad or wrong; wicked; depraved
2. resulting from or based on conduct regarded as immoral: an evil reputation
causing pain or trouble; harmful; injurious
offensive or disgusting: an evil odor
threatening or bringing misfortune; unlucky; disastrous; unfortunate: an evil hour
angry, irritable, disagreeable, etc.: in an evil mood

Origin: ME ivel < OE yfel, akin to Ger übel < IE *upelo- < base *upo-, up from under > up, Sans upa, toward

adverb

in an evil, wicked, or offensive way: now only in hyphenated compounds: evil-hearted

noun

Related Forms:

See evil in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective e·vil·er, e·vil·est

noun

The quality of being morally bad or wrong; wickedness.
That which causes harm, misfortune, or destruction: a leader's power to do both good and evil.
An evil force, power, or personification.
Something that is a cause or source of suffering, injury, or destruction: the social evils of poverty and injustice.

adverb
Archaic

In an evil manner.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English yfel; see wap- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: