wrongdoer

Wrongdoer is a noun used to describe a person who commits a wrongdoing—an act that harms others, violates social norms, or breaches legal duties. The term can refer to actions that are illegal as well as to immoral or unethical acts, encompassing crimes, civil wrongs such as torts, or breaches of trust.

In legal contexts, wrongdoer is a nontechnical label often used to identify a party accused or found responsible for a harmful act. Not all wrongdoers are criminals; some may commit ethical breaches or civil wrongs without violating criminal law, while others may be charged with crimes.

Etymology: The word combines 'wrong' with 'doer' to describe someone who does wrong.

See also: offender, perpetrator, delinquent, miscreant, wrongdoing.