Definition of evil

The word "evil" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. The Proto-Germanic word *ubiziz, which meant "abnormal" or "perverse", evolved into the Old English word "yfel" and the Germanic word "übel". In Old English, "yfel" referred to something that was wicked, sinful, or unholy. Over time, the spelling changed to "evil" and its meaning expanded to encompass malevolence, wickedness, and immorality. In Old English literature, such as the epic poem Beowulf, "evil" is often associated with supernatural forces, such as demons and giants. The concept of evil as a moral force developed in Christianity, where it was seen as the antithesis of God and a force to be fought against. Today, the word "evil" continues to convey a sense of malevolence and wrongdoing, while its etymological roots remain tied to the idea of deviation from moral norms.