villain
UK: ˈvɪlən | US: ˈvɪlən
n. a character in a story or play who opposes the hero; a wicked or evil person
n. (informal) a criminal or someone who causes trouble
The word "villain" originated in medieval Latin as villanus, meaning "farmhand" or "peasant." Over time, it evolved in Old French to vilain, referring to a low-born or rustic person. By the 14th century, its meaning shifted to denote someone of wicked or cruel character, reflecting societal biases that associated rural lower classes with moral inferiority. This semantic shift highlights how language can encode cultural stereotypes.
The villain in the story plotted to overthrow the king.
He was portrayed as a heartless villain in the news.
Despite his charming smile, he turned out to be a real villain.
The film’s villain had a complex backstory.
She screamed when the villain suddenly appeared on screen.