misdeed

/ˈmɪsˌdid/

/mɪsˈdid/

Other forms: misdeeds

A misdeed is a type of bad behavior, especially behavior that's immoral. If you get caught stealing someone’s lunch, you’ll be punished for your misdeed.

A deed is an action, and a misdeed is a specific type of action. It’s one that's wicked, unethical, illegal, or just plain wrong. It’s the opposite of a good deed. Cheating on a test is a misdeed. So is cheating on your spouse. Stealing is a misdeed, as is any other crime. Politicians get caught in scandals when their misdeeds are discovered, such as lying or taking bribes. It’s from the Old English misdæd for "sin, evil.”

Definitions of misdeed

1. noun

   improper or wicked or immoral behavior
   synonyms: misbehavior, misbehaviour

   types:

   delinquency, juvenile delinquency

   an antisocial misdeed in violation of the law by a minor

   devilment, devilry, deviltry, mischief, mischief-making, mischievousness, rascality, roguery, roguishness, shenanigan

   reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

   ruffianism

   violent lawless behavior

   familiarity, impropriety, indecorum, liberty

   an act of undue intimacy

   abnormality, irregularity

   behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality

   impropriety, indecency

   a wrong or indecent act

   indiscretion, peccadillo

   a petty misdeed

   infantilism

   infantile behavior in mature persons

   blaze, hell

   noisy and unrestrained mischief

   monkey business

   mischievous or deceitful behavior

   deviance, deviation

   deviate behavior

   obscenity

   an obscene act

   hooliganism, malicious mischief, vandalism

   willful wanton and malicious destruction of the property of others

   type of:

   actus reus, misconduct, wrongdoing, wrongful conduct

   activity that transgresses moral or civil law