First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
villain
noun vil·lain \ˈvi-lən\
: a character in a story, movie, etc., who does bad things
: a person who does bad things
: someone or something that is blamed for a particular problem or difficulty
Full Definition of VILLAIN
1
: villein
2
: an uncouth person : boor
3
: a deliberate scoundrel or criminal
4
: a character in a story or play who opposes the hero
5
: one blamed for a particular evil or difficulty <automation as the villain in job … displacement — M. H. Goldberg>
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Origin of VILLAIN
Middle English vilain, vilein, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin villanus, from Latin villa
Related to VILLAIN
VILLAIN Defined for Kids
villain
noun vil·lain \ˈvi-lən\
Definition of VILLAIN for Kids
1
: a wicked person
2
: a character in a story or play who opposes the hero or heroine
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