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wrong definition

wrong (rôŋ)

adjective

  1. not in accordance with justice, law, morality, etc.; unlawful, immoral, or improper
  2. not in accordance with an established standard, previous arrangement, given intention, etc. the wrong method, came on the wrong day
  3. not suitable or appropriate the wrong thing to say
    1. contrary to fact, reason, some set standard, etc.; incorrect; inaccurate; false
    2. acting, judging, believing, etc. incorrectly; mistaken
  4. unsatisfactory; in a bad state or condition
  5. not functioning properly; out of order something wrong with her eyes
  6. designating the side, surface, etc. that is not meant to be seen; designating the unfinished, inner, or under side the wrong side of a fabric

Etymology: ME, crooked, twisted, wrong < OE wrang < ON rangr, wrangr, wrong, twisted: for IE base see wring

adverb

in a wrong manner, direction, etc.; so as to be wrong; incorrectly; amiss

noun

  1. that which is not right, or not just, proper, correct, etc.; esp., an unjust or immoral act
  2. Law a violation or invasion of a legal right; injurious act, as a tort

transitive verb

  1. to treat badly or unjustly; do wrong to; injure
  2. to think badly of without real justification
  3. to malign; dishonor
  4. to seduce (a woman)

Related Forms:

wrong Idioms

get someone in wrong

Informal to bring someone into disfavor

get someone (or something) wrong

Informal to fail to understand someone (or something) properly

go wrong

  1. to turn out badly
  2. to change from good behavior to bad; go astray

in the wrong

not on the side supported by truth, justice, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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