heinous
What does "heinous" mean?
The word "heinous" describes an act that is utterly wicked, monstrous, or reprehensible. The mental image is of a crime or action so morally repugnant that it shocks the conscience of society, moving far beyond simple bad behavior into the realm of the truly abominable. It is a formal, high-register term almost exclusively used in legal or moral contexts to characterize severe offenses. You will most often hear it paired with nouns like "crime," "act," or "offense," emphasizing the gravity and lack of humanity involved in the deed.
"heinous" in conversation
Discussing a thriller movie
The villain's plan was truly heinous.
The villain's plan was truly heinous.
I agree, poisoning the water supply is a new level of evil.
I agree, poisoning the water supply is a new level of evil.
Used to describe a fictional character's extreme moral depravity.
Reading the news
They are finally putting him on trial for those heinous crimes.
They are finally putting him on trial for those heinous crimes.
It’s about time; the community has been waiting for justice for years.
It’s about time; the community has been waiting for justice for years.
Commonly used in serious, legal, or journalistic contexts.
"heinous" in a sentence
The criminal was sentenced for his heinous acts.
The criminal was sentenced for his heinous acts.
She could not forgive the heinous betrayal of her closest friend.
She could not forgive the heinous betrayal of her closest friend.
History will remember the dictator for the heinous atrocities committed under his regime.
History will remember the dictator for the heinous atrocities committed under his regime.
