I. ˈē-vəl, Britain often & US also ˈē-(ˌ)vil adjective
( 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 -nəs noun
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing
b. : a cosmic evil force
2. : something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity