misdeed

[mis-deed]

noun

1. an immoral or wicked deed.

   Synonyms: fault, transgression, offense

misdeed

/ ˌmɪsˈdiːd /

noun

1. an evil or illegal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdeed¹

before 900; Middle English misdede, Old English misdǣd. See mis- ¹, deed

Example Sentences

One wonders about a supposedly rehabilitative penal system that refuses to foster that kind of hope, that only pulverizes, exploits and, to cover its misdeeds, deletes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Officially, Rayner got sacked over personal financial misdeeds — she failed to pay adequate taxes on a second home — but any excuse would have done.

Read more on Salon

They've promised to gather the names of those they said had close ties to Epstein and were connected to his misdeeds.

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But there are winners and losers and winners who feel like losers and schemers who get away with their misdeeds scot-free.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Most important of all, it inverts the liberal narrative of history, in which the misdeeds of the past offer us important lessons, mistakes to be confronted, repented and transcended on the path to something better.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• infringement 
• misbehavior 
• misconduct 
• offense 
• peccadillo 
• sin 
• transgression 
• violation