evildoer

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈiːvəlˌduːər/

Definitions

• Noun: A person who engages in evil or wicked actions, typically one who causes harm to others.
• Noun: Someone who commits immoral or criminal acts.

Usage Examples

• The villain in the story was an evildoer who caused suffering wherever they went.
• Throughout history, evildoers have often been punished for their crimes.
• Many people believe that evildoers should face justice for their actions.

Etymology

The word "evildoer" is formed by combining "evil" (from Old English "yfel," meaning morally wrong or wicked) and "doer" (from the verb "do," which means to perform or carry out actions). The term was coined to describe individuals who engage in harmful or immoral actions, with its usage tracing back to the medieval period.

Synonyms

• Villain
• Criminal
• Wrongdoer
• Malefactor
• Miscreant
• Offender

Antonyms

• Hero
• Good Samaritan
• Benefactor
• Philanthropist
• Saint

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈiːvəlˌduːər/
• American English: /ˈiːvəlˌduːər/
• Australian English: /ˈiːvəlˌduːər/

Historical Usage

The term "evildoer" has been used since the 13th century to describe individuals who engage in immoral or criminal activities. In many religious and cultural texts, evildoers are often depicted as antagonists, and their actions are associated with negative consequences for society. The term became especially prominent in English literature during the medieval period, often referring to characters who embodied wickedness.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of an "evildoer" is common across cultures and languages, though what is considered "evil" may vary depending on cultural values. In some societies, evildoers are seen as individuals who defy social norms and laws, while in others, they may be viewed as those who disrupt spiritual or moral harmony. In literature and folklore, the evildoer often serves as a symbol of temptation or a warning against moral corruption.

More Information

An evildoer is someone who intentionally engages in harmful, immoral, or criminal activities. The term is often associated with villains or antagonistic characters in stories, legends, and religious texts. The motivations behind an evildoer's actions may vary, but they are typically driven by selfishness, hatred, or a desire to cause harm to others. Over time, the concept of an evildoer has evolved to include not just physical harm, but also emotional or psychological harm inflicted on others.