malefactor

A criminal or felon.

Noun

  1. A criminal or felon.
  2. An evildoer.
    • ‘Pull yourself together, Bradshaw,’ said the lawyer. ‘This suspense, I know, is telling upon all of you; but it is now our intention to make an end of it. Poole, here, and I are going to force our way into the cabinet....
    • Though your unseen malefactor’s actions may give the impression of confidence… Vaermina suspects he is terrified his plan will go astray. - 2013, Kazerad, Katia: Try a few more things, in: Prequel -or- Making a Cat Cry:...

Origin

From Middle English malefactour, from Late Latin malefactor, from Latin malefaciō, from male (“evilly”) + factus (“made or done”), past participle of facio (“to make or do”).

Forms

malefactors malefactour

Antonyms

benefactor

Related

maleficent

Derived

malefactee malefactress