villain Definition
- 1a character in a story or film who is evil and does bad things
- 2a person who is responsible for causing trouble, harm, or damage
Using villain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "villain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The villain of the movie was a ruthless businessman who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Example
He was accused of being the villain behind the company's financial troubles.
Example
The novel's villain was a cunning and manipulative woman who plotted to destroy the protagonist's life.
villain Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for villain
Antonyms for villain
Idioms Using villain
Example
He enjoys playing the villain in movies and TV shows.
used to say that someone who does bad things or has a guilty conscience will not be able to relax or enjoy themselves
Example
I have to finish this report tonight - no rest for the wicked, I guess.
Example
I don't like him, but I have to give the devil his due - he's a talented musician.
Phrases with villain
arch-villain
the main villain in a story or series of stories
Example
Batman's arch-villain is the Joker.
Example
The villain of the piece turned out to be the CEO, who had been embezzling funds from the company.
a situation where one bad thing leads to another, creating a cycle of negative events
Example
The country was caught in a villainous circle of poverty and corruption.
Origins of villain
from Old French 'vilain', meaning 'peasant, farmhand'
Summary: villain in Brief
A 'villain' [ˈvɪlən] is an evil character in a story or film, or a person who causes harm or trouble. It can refer to a main antagonist, as in 'Batman's arch-villain is the Joker,' or to a person causing problems, as in 'He was accused of being the villain behind the company's financial troubles.' 'Villain' also appears in idioms like 'play the villain,' meaning to act like the bad guy, and 'no rest for the wicked,' implying that bad people cannot relax.