heinous
UK: ˈheɪ.nɪəs | US: ˈheɪ.nɪəs
adj. extremely wicked or evil
adj. utterly reprehensible or shocking
heinous = hein<hatred> + ous<adjective suffix>
- hein (from Old French haine "hatred," ultimately from Latin odium "hatred")
- ous (adjective-forming suffix indicating possession or quality, from Latin -osus)
Etymology Origin:
The word "heinous" traces back to Old French haineus (hateful), derived from haine (hatred). Its Latin root odium (hatred) evolved into the French haine, which combined with the suffix -ous (full of) to form "heinous" in Middle English. The term originally described actions filled with hatred, later emphasizing moral repugnance. Its spelling preserved the French hein- while adapting the Latin-derived suffix -ous.
The dictator committed heinous crimes against humanity.
The jury was horrified by the heinous nature of the murder.
Such heinous acts must be condemned universally.
The documentary exposed the heinous treatment of prisoners.
Forgiveness is difficult when faced with heinous betrayal.