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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malefaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

malefaction

noun
male·​fac·​tion
ˌmal-ə-ˈfak-shən
: an evil deed : crime
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