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

1. someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime