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Utterly odious or wicked; shockingly evil.
synonyms:atrociousabhorrent
The word 'heinous' traces its roots back to the Middle English word 'heinous', which derives from the Old French 'haner', meaning 'to hate'. Its usage has evolved over time to describe actions that are not only bad but are also deeply offensive and morally reprehensible.
This word is commonly used in legal, moral, and everyday contexts to describe actions or behaviors that are extraordinarily bad or evil.
While 'heinous' is not used in everyday conversation, it appears frequently in media, legal discussions, and literature to emphasize the severity of certain actions.
The heinous crime shocked the entire community and led to widespread outrage.
The report detailed the heinous acts committed during the war, leaving readers in disbelief.
Many consider the act of human trafficking to be one of the most heinous violations of human rights.
The word 'heinous' packs a punch with its meaning, often used to describe acts that are not just bad, but shockingly evil. Originating from the Old French word for 'to hate', it evokes a strong emotional response. You might encounter it in discussions about crime or morality, where the gravity of an action calls for a word that truly captures its wicked nature. So next time you hear 'heinous', think of the weight it carries!