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Meaning of Heinous
The primary meaning of the word "heinous" is extremely wicked or cruel.
Etymology of Heinous
The word "heinous" originates from the Old French word "haine," meaning hatred, and the suffix "-ous," which forms an adjective indicating a quality or state.
Historically, the word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe actions, behaviors, or individuals that are considered highly reprehensible or wicked.
Synonyms
atrocious
abhorrent
odious
detestable
abominable
vile
repugnant
reprehensible
despicable
loathsome
repellent
disgusting
distasteful
heinous
horrific
gruesome
ghastly
barbaric
savage
brutal
inhumane
cruel
merciless
pitiless
heartless
inexcusable
unforgivable
egregious
flagrant
blatant
shocking
appalling
horrifying
nauseating
sickening
monstrous
fiendish
diabolical
infernal
wicked
evil
malevolent
malignant
vicious
villainous
nefarious
pernicious
baneful
baleful
calamitous
catastrophic
dreadful
terrible
frightful
awful
dreadful
fearsome
formidable
dire
direful
ghastly
grim
gruesome
hideous
horrible
horrific
lurid
macabre
monstrous
nightmarish
shocking
tremendous
Definitions
- Oxford Languages defines "heinous" as profoundly odious or wicked, or highly reprehensible.
- It can also be used to describe something that is utterly repugnant or deserving of strong condemnation.
Usage Examples
- The heinous crime shocked the entire nation and led to widespread outrage.
- The dictator's heinous human rights abuses were widely condemned by the international community.
- The serial killer's heinous murders were highly publicized and sparked a massive manhunt.
Antonyms
benign
gentle
kind
benevolent
charitable
generous
humane
merciful
compassionate
sympathetic
considerate
thoughtful
mild
moderate
reasonable
justifiable
excusable
forgivable
minor
trivial
negligible
insignificant
harmless
innocuous
blameless
faultless
irreproachable
laudable
praiseworthy
commendable
admirable
excellent
superb
outstanding
exemplary