First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
heinous
adjective hei·nous \ˈhā-nəs\
: very bad or evil : deserving of hate or contempt
Full Definition of HEINOUS
See heinous defined for English-language learners
See heinous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of HEINOUS
- While admittedly the crimes rappers commit have often been more heinous than those committed by other entertainers, rappers seem to face more opprobrium. Though hip hop has become mainstream, much of mass media still has antiquated ideas of rap music and rappers. —Vibe, May 2001
- The verdict … also defined rape for the first time as a crime against humanity, one of the most heinous crimes. The tribunal has previously tried cases involving rape, but defined the rape as torture. —Marlise Simons, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2001
- It's hard enough to figure out what a defendant was thinking when he committed the heinous and bizarre act that has made him a candidate for the insanity defense. And state of mind is what the insanity defense is all about. —Laura Mansnerus, New York Times Book Review, 26 Oct. 1997
- [+]more
Origin of HEINOUS
Middle English, from Anglo-French hainus, heinous, from haine hate, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German haz hate — more at hate
Learn More About HEINOUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: heir (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: heinieAll Words Near: heinous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up heinous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).