Definition

A character in a story or play who opposes the hero and often does bad things.

Example

In the movie, the villain tried to take over the world but was stopped by the hero.

Conversation

Did you see the new superhero movie last night?

Yeah, the villain was so interesting and complex!

I know, right? It's refreshing to see a villain with a backstory.

Exactly! It made the whole film so much more engaging.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Villain → It originates from the Old French word *vilain* (meaning a farmhand or peasant), which itself comes from the Latin *villanus* (meaning a farmhand or servant of a villa). The term evolved to refer to someone of low status or a person who behaves in a morally reprehensible way. The word 'villain' thus describes someone who is associated with bad or wicked behavior, often in a dramatic or literary context.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'farmhand' ('vilain') who might be seen as lowly or untrustworthy, which helps you remember that a villain is someone who behaves badly.

Visually Confused Words