English · Arts & Literature
villain
/ˈvɪl.ən/
[/ˈvɪl.ən/]
evil character
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A wicked character in a story who opposes the hero, or a real wrongdoer.
Example
Audiences love to hate the charming villain who schemes against the hero throughout the film.
Audiences love to hate the charming villain who schemes against the hero throughout the film.
Etymology
From Old French 'vilain' (a peasant, base person), from Latin 'villanus' (a farm worker).
How & Where It’s Used
The wicked figure in fiction, often the antagonist.