WordGarden.ioheinous
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈeɪnəs/
US
- /ˈheɪnəs/
Meanings
Adjective
extremely wicked, cruel, or morally shocking, especially of an act or crime
Beyond the definition
The word "heinous" does not describe something that is simply bad. It describes something shockingly evil, cruel, or deeply wrong. Think of a villain in a story: their actions are not just annoying or naughty; they are far worse. The word is often used for serious crimes or acts that go against basic human decency. You would not call a spilled glass of milk "heinous," but you would use it for a terrible act of violence or cruelty. It carries a strong sense of disgust and moral judgment.
"Heinous" describes acts that are shockingly wicked, appalling, and deserving of the strongest possible condemnation. It goes far beyond simply being "bad"—it implies an extreme level of evil, often involving deliberate cruelty or moral depravity. The word originates from the Old French haineus, meaning "full of hate," which hints at the intense malice and ill-will historically associated with the term.
You'll most commonly encounter "heinous" in contexts dealing with serious crimes, atrocities, and deeply immoral behavior. For example: "The details of the heinous crime shocked the nation," or "He was convicted of a series of heinous crimes against humanity." It is rarely used to describe minor offenses; it reserves its power for truly egregious actions.
While you might hear "heinous" applied figuratively—perhaps describing a particularly awful fashion choice as "a heinous offense against good taste"—this is almost always done with ironic or humorous intent. The word's core meaning remains firmly rooted in the realm of profound wickedness.
Historically, it was used more broadly to describe anything hateful or detestable, but today its usage is largely confined to describing acts that are morally reprehensible and deeply disturbing. When you encounter "heinous," prepare for a description of something truly awful—an act that strikes at the heart of what is right and just.
Examples
- 1
Crime context
The police called it one of the most heinous crimes the city had seen in years.
- Usage
heinous is often used in formal or news language about crimes and acts
- 2
Moral judgment
What he did to those children was truly heinous.
- 3
Institutional abuse
The report described a pattern of heinous abuse inside the prison.
- 4
Human rights
Human rights groups condemned the law as a heinous violation of basic freedoms.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- heinousadjective