Malefaction

Noun

Definition: An evil deed; crime; wrongdoing.

Synonyms: Offense, Transgression, Misdeed

Antonyms: Virtue, Righteousness

Examples:

The court found him guilty of malefaction.
The newspaper exposed the malefactions of the corrupt politician.

Mnemonics:

Think of "male" as representing something negative or evil.
"Malefaction" sounds similar to "malfunction," which can be associated with negative or wrong actions.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "malefactio" (from "malefacere," meaning "to do evil"), influenced by French "malfait" and "malfête."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe various forms of evil deeds or crimes.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Acts of malefaction"

Explanation:

Refers to a series or collection of evil deeds or wrongdoings.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "malefaction" with "malfunction."

Explanation:

While the two words sound similar, "malfunction" refers to a failure or breakdown of a system or device, while "malefaction" refers to evil deeds or crimes.