malefactor
/'mælifæktə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who commits a crime or does something morally wrong; a wrongdoer or criminal.
Usage
The word "malefactor" is a formal term, often used in legal, literary, or historical contexts to describe someone who has committed an offense. It carries a connotation of evil or wickedness.
Examples
- The judge addressed the malefactor directly before passing sentence.
- In the story, the hero finally brought the malefactor to justice.
- The police were determined to catch the malefactor responsible for the theft.
Advanced Usage
- "Bring a malefactor to book": To ensure a wrongdoer is punished or held accountable.
- The new evidence helped the authorities bring the malefactor to book.
- "Malefactor of great wealth": A historical or literary phrase for a wealthy person who uses their power for harmful purposes.
- The novel's villain is portrayed as a malefactor of great wealth.
Variants and Related Words
- Malefaction (n): An evil deed; a crime.
- He was accused of various malefactions.
- Maleficent (adj): Harmful or evil in intent or effect.
- The queen in the fairy tale was a maleficent figure.
Synonyms
- Criminal: A person who has committed a crime.
- Wrongdoer: A person who behaves illegally or dishonestly.
- Offender: A person who commits an illegal act.
- Culprit: A person responsible for a crime or misdeed.
- Lawbreaker: A person who violates the law.
Antonyms
- Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
- Law-abiding citizen: A person who obeys the law.
Noun
- someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime