Definition

Extremely bad or evil, often used to describe actions that are morally wrong or shocking.

Example

The judge described the act as a heinous crime that shocked the entire community.

Conversation

Did you hear about that heinous crime in the news?

Yeah, I can't believe something like that happened in our town.

It's shocking how people can do such heinous things.

I know, it really makes you think about safety.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heinous originates from the Old French word *heinous*, meaning hateful or abominable. The term is derived from the Latin *in-*, meaning not, and *aenios*, meaning to be born or produced. Thus, heinous describes something that is not born of good, but rather of evil or hatred.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not born of good' — that's why heinous refers to something extremely wicked or abominable.

Visually Confused Words