villainy

[ˈvɪləni]

villainy Definition

• 1. wicked or criminal behavior
• 2. a criminal act

Using villainy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "villainy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The villainy of the character in the movie was apparent from the beginning.

• Example

  He was accused of committing various villainies throughout his life.

• Example

  The book is full of tales of villainy and deceit.

• Example

  The villainy of the crime shocked the entire community.

villainy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for villainy

• evil
• wrongdoing
• crime
• sin
• immorality

Antonyms for villainy

• goodness
• virtue

Phrases with villainy

• architect of villainy

  a person who devises or plans wicked or criminal acts

  Example

  The mastermind behind the terrorist attack was considered the architect of villainy.

• sink into villainy

  to become increasingly wicked or criminal

  Example

  The character in the movie started as a good person but slowly sank into villainy.

• villainy of the highest order

  extremely wicked or criminal behavior

  Example

  The dictator's actions were considered villainy of the highest order.

Origins of villainy

from Old French 'vilainie', meaning 'villainous conduct'

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Summary: villainy in Brief

The term 'villainy' [ˈvɪləni] refers to wicked or criminal behavior, often associated with evil or wrongdoing. It can also denote a criminal act, as in 'The villainy of the crime shocked the entire community.' Phrases like 'architect of villainy' and 'sink into villainy' describe people who plan or become increasingly wicked, while 'villainy of the highest order' denotes extremely wicked behavior.