evil
/ˈivəl/
This word describes a level of immorality that goes beyond simple mistakes or 'bad' behavior. It implies a deliberate intent to cause harm, suffering, or destruction. While 'wicked' can sometimes be used playfully or lightly, 'evil' carries a heavy, often cosmic or spiritual weight. In modern usage, it is frequently associated with absolute opposites—the dichotomy of good versus evil. When applied to a person, it suggests a lack of empathy or a fundamental corruption of character. Depending on the context, it can range from an objective moral judgment in religious or philosophical settings to a hyperbolic description in pop culture (e.g., "an evil genius").
Uncountable when discussing the abstract concept of wickedness ('the fight against evil'). Countable when referring to a specific wicked person or a particular harmful thing ('a necessary evil' or 'the evils of war').
💬Casual Conversation
These Q3 targets are just evil, Victoria. Seriously daunting.
Figure it out, David. Think outside the box.
Meanings
Profoundly immoral, wicked, or malevolent in nature.
"He was accused of committing an evil act."
Producing great harm, suffering, or misfortune.
"The evil effects of the famine were felt for decades."
The quality of being morally wrong or wicked.
"The struggle between good and evil is a common theme in literature."
A thing that is harmful, unpleasant, or morally wrong.
"Alcoholism is a social evil that destroys families."
Collocations & Compounds
evil eye
a look that is believed to have the power to harm someone or something.
She believed her neighbor cast an evil eye on her garden, causing the plants to wither.
evil genius
a person who is exceptionally clever and creative, especially in a wicked or mischievous way.
The villain was an evil genius who plotted world domination from his secret lair.
evil deed
an action that is morally wrong or wicked.
The knight was tasked with undoing the evil deed committed by the sorcerer.
evil spirit
a malevolent supernatural being.
The exorcist was called to drive out the evil spirit possessing the child.
evil empire
a country or group of countries seen as hostile and threatening to the speaker's country or allies.
The president famously referred to the Soviet Union as an evil empire.
Idioms & Sayings
fight evil with evil
to use wicked or immoral methods to combat a wicked or immoral force.
Some argue that responding to terrorism with excessive force is like fighting evil with evil.
the lesser of two evils
the option that is less harmful or undesirable when compared to another undesirable option.
Choosing between the two unpopular candidates, many voters felt they were simply picking the lesser of two evils.
a devil's advocate
a person who argues against an idea or practice to identify its weaknesses, often for the sake of debate or to explore alternative viewpoints, even if they don't personally agree with the opposing stance.
I'll play a devil's advocate here: what if this new policy actually makes things worse?
Etymology
The word 'evil' originates from the Old English word 'yfel', which itself comes from Proto-Germanic 'ubilaz'. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German 'Übel' and Dutch 'euvel'. The ultimate root is believed to be an Indo-European root meaning 'bad' or 'worse'. It has consistently referred to moral badness or wickedness throughout its history in English.