Nefarius

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Extremely wicked, evil, or criminal in a way that shows deep moral corruption
2. Describing someone or something that is grossly villainous and deserving of condemnation
3. Characterizing conduct that is abominably wicked, the sort associated with a complete villain

Etymology: The Romans built this term from a religious idea. "Fas" was what divine law permitted, the course the gods allowed, and adding the negating prefix "ne-" produced "nefas," the sacrilegious or unspeakable. "Fas" comes from the verb "fari," "to speak," so what was right was tied to what could properly be pronounced in sacred formulas. The Latin "fatum," meaning fate, grows from that same verb, which makes fate and fas close relatives: both began as things spoken. The adjective "nefarius" carried that charge into Latin prose, describing deeds that broke sacred law rather than ordinary crimes. English borrowed it directly, and "nefarious" still implies a wickedness that goes beyond everyday wrongdoing.