malefaction

noun

mal·​e·​fac·​tion ˌma-lə-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce malefaction (audio)
: an evil deed : crime

Examples of malefaction in a Sentence

the town treasurer has been linked to the kickback scheme and other financial malefactions
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.
And the principle remains that representing a malefactor isn’t, ipso facto, an act of malefaction. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2022 A pitch-framing specialist with rare agility behind the plate, Wolters must coax pitchers through Coors Field and its occasional malefactions. Orange County Register, 1 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near malefaction

Cite this Entry

“Malefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malefaction. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

malefaction

noun
male·​fac·​tion
ˌmal-ə-ˈfak-shən
: an evil deed : crime
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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