heinous
HAY-nus
/ˈheɪnəs/
(Of a person or wrongful act, especially a crime) utterly odious or wicked.
Reserved for the most shocking and terrible crimes, such as mass murder or torture.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'haineus,' from 'haine' (hatred). It literally describes an act that is so bad it is worthy of being hated.
Word relationships
- atrocious: Both mean extremely wicked, but 'heinous' is more common in legal contexts.
- admirable: Deserving respect and approval.
Commonly confused with
- grievous: Grievous means very severe or serious (like a wound); heinous implies moral wickedness.
Word family
- heinously (adverb): In an utterly wicked or odious manner.
Collocations
- heinous crime
- heinous act
- heinous offense
Example sentences
- "The judge described the crime as heinous and showing a complete lack of human empathy." Courtroom
- "I have never seen a heinous crime that I could not have committed myself." Literature
Memory hook
Heinous sounds like 'Hate us.' A heinous crime makes everyone hate the criminal. Hatefully wicked.
When not to use
Do not use for minor mistakes or common rudeness; it is too strong.
Fun facts
- The word 'heinous' is famously used in the opening narration of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'
- It is one of the few English words where 'ei' is pronounced as a long 'a.'
Related words
Explore more words
atrocity, nefarious, infamous, despicable, grotesque, perpetrate
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