villain

Everyday

1. A villain is a bad character in a story, play or film who does evil things and fights against the hero. tree →
2. A person who does wrong or harmful things; a criminal. tree →

In the lessons

Used in reading and writing lessons: story characters — hero and villain; describing a villain's appearance and actions. In everyday talk: "the villain of the piece" means the one to blame.

Examples

• The villain wanted to steal the crown. tree →
• Every good story needs a hero and a villain. tree →
• The villain laughed an evil laugh. tree →
• Describe your villain using strong adjectives. tree →
• The police caught the villain. tree →
• In the pantomime, everyone boos the villain. tree →
• "Villain!" shouted all the Pygmies at once. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: v-i-l-l-a-i-n (ai, not "-ian"). Pronounced "VIL-un". Adjective: villainous. Opposite: hero.