nefarious
UK: nɪˈfeə.ri.əs | US: nɪˈfer.i.əs
adj. extremely wicked or villainous
adj. morally reprehensible
nefarious = ne<not> + fari<speak> + ous<adjective suffix>
- ne (from Latin ne-, meaning "not")
- fari (from Latin fari, meaning "to speak," related to fama "reputation")
- ous (adjective-forming suffix indicating possession of a quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word nefarious originates from Latin nefarius, meaning "wicked, impious," derived from nefas ("sin, crime"), which combines ne- ("not") + fas ("divine law, right"). The logic is rooted in the idea of violating divine or moral law—literally "that which is not permitted by the gods." Over time, it evolved in English to describe actions or characters of extreme moral corruption.
The dictator’s nefarious regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses.
She uncovered a nefarious plot to manipulate the election results.
The hacker’s nefarious activities compromised thousands of personal accounts.
His nefarious reputation made him feared throughout the criminal underworld.
The documentary exposed the nefarious practices of the corrupt corporation.