I. ˈrȯŋ noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wrang, from * wrang, adjective, wrong
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : an injurious, unfair, or unjust act : action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause
b. : a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another ; especially : tort
2. : something wrong, immoral, or unethical ; especially : principles, practices, or conduct contrary to justice, goodness, equity, or law
3. : the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong: as
a. : the state of being mistaken or incorrect
b. : the state of being guilty
Synonyms: see injustice
II. adjective
( wrong·er ˈrȯŋ-ər ; wrong·est ˈrȯŋ-əst)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English * wrang, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rangr awry, wrong, Danish vrang wrong side; akin to Old English wringan to wring
Date: 13th century
1. : not according to the moral standard : sinful , immoral
thought that war was wrong
2. : not right or proper according to a code, standard, or convention : improper
it was wrong not to thank your host
3. : not according to truth or facts : incorrect
gave a wrong date
4. : not satisfactory (as in condition, results, health, or temper)
5. : not in accordance with one's needs, intent, or expectations
took the wrong bus
6. : of, relating to, or constituting the side of something that is usually held to be opposite to the principal one, that is the one naturally or by design turned down, inward, or away, or that is the least finished or polished
• wrong·ly ˈrȯŋ-lē adverb
• wrong·ness noun
•
- wrong side of the tracks
III. adverb
Date: 13th century
1. : without accuracy : incorrectly
guessed wrong
2. : without regard for what is proper or just
was reprimanded for what he had done wrong
3. : in a wrong direction
turned wrong at the junction
4.
a. : in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way
something went wrong
b. : out of working order or condition
5. : in a false light
don't get me wrong
IV. transitive verb
( wronged ; wrong·ing ˈrȯŋ-iŋ)
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to do wrong to : injure , harm
b. : to treat disrespectfully or dishonorably : violate
2. : defraud — usually used with of
wrong ed them of their land
3. : discredit , malign
• wrong·er ˈrȯŋ-ər noun
Synonyms:
wrong , oppress , persecute , aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves
a penal system that had wronged him
oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform
a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant
persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering
a child persecuted by constant criticism
aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights
a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups