wrongdoer

noun

wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
: one that does wrong
especially : one who transgresses moral laws

Examples of wrongdoer in a Sentence

anticorruption crusaders are going after wrongdoers at every level of the nation's government
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So there's a law firm in Seattle that has mounted a lot of very famous successful class action suits against large wrongdoers. Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024 Local leaders say public pieces like murals and sculptures have the power to both beautify and protect the city by letting would-be wrongdoers know that a community is cared for. Justin L. MacK, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 They’d be put atop utility poles in white steel boxes with flashing blue lights — a clear warning to would-be wrongdoers. Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2024 North Carolina Attorney General Stein, joined by 23 other state attorneys general, filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in January, arguing that the Texas Two-Step threatens the power of states to enforce laws against corporate wrongdoers. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for wrongdoer 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongdoer was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near wrongdoer

Cite this Entry

“Wrongdoer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongdoer. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

wrongdoer

noun
wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˈdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
: a person who does wrong and especially moral wrong
wrongdoing
-ˈdü-iŋ
noun

Legal Definition

wrongdoer

noun
wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər How to pronounce wrongdoer (audio)
: one (as a criminal or tortfeasor) who does wrong

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!