Meaning & Definition of word "Heinous"

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    Heinous

    /ˈheɪnəs/

    adjective:

    • 1. Utterly odious or wicked; shockingly evil.
      • Example: The heinous crime shocked the entire community.
    • 2. Deserving of hate or contempt.
      • Example: His heinous behavior during the trial led to his conviction.
    • 3. Involving a morally reprehensible act.
      • Example: The detectives uncovered a heinous plot that endangered many innocent lives.
    • 4. Extremely bad or cruel.
      • Example: The heinous actions of the regime were condemned worldwide.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French haineux (from haine ‘hatred’), from Latin iniquinus ‘unjust, wicked’.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    heinous crime:

    A crime that is shockingly wicked or evil.

    heinous act:

    An act that is extremely wicked or reprehensible.

    Related Words

    heinousness:

    The quality of being heinous.

    malevolent:

    Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

    Slang Meanings of heinous

    Meaning: Insanely bad or terrible.

    Example Sentence: That movie was heinous; I can't believe I wasted my time on it.

    Meaning: Something that is outrageously bad.

    Example Sentence: The service at that restaurant was heinous!