Wretch | Definition of wretch by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of WRETCH

1

: a miserable person : one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune

2

: a base, despicable, or vile person

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Origin of WRETCH

Middle English wrecche, from Old English wrecca outcast, exile; akin to Old High German hrechjo fugitive, Old English wrecan to drive, drive out — more at wreak

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WRETCH

Synonyms: baddie (or baddy), beast, brute, caitiff, devil, evildoer, fiend, heavy, hound, knave, meanie (also meany), miscreant, monster, nazi, no-good, rapscallion, rascal, reprobate, rogue, savage, scalawag (or scallywag), scamp, scapegrace, scoundrel, varlet, villain

Rhymes with WRETCH

catch, etch, fetch, fletch, ketch, kvetch, lech, letch, retch, sketch, stretch, vetch

Definition of WRETCH for Kids

1

: a miserable unhappy person

2

: a very bad person <You're an ungrateful wretch.>

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "wretch"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "wretch"

Nglish: Translation of "wretch" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "wretch" for Arabic speakers

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