n.
Pronunciation: ' ē -v ə l, Brit often & US also ' ē -( ˌ )vil
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: evil · er or evil · ler ; evil · est or evil · lest
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English yfel; akin to Old High German ubil evil
Date: before 12th century
1 a : morally reprehensible : SINFUL , WICKED <an evil impulse> b : arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct <a person of evil reputation>
2 a archaic : INFERIOR b : causing discomfort or repulsion : OFFENSIVE <an evil odor> c : DISAGREEABLE <woke late and in an evil temper>
3 a : causing harm : PERNICIOUS <the evil institution of slavery> b : marked by misfortune : UNLUCKY
– evil adverb archaic
– evil · ly \ -(l) ē \ adverb
– evil · ness \ -n ə s \ noun