wretch
wretch Lexical Profile
wretch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A profoundly unfortunate, miserable, or pitiable person who suffers from poverty, hardship, or distress.
"The novel's opening chapter depicts a shivering wretch begging for a crust of bread on the snowy streets of London."
A despicable, vile, or contemptible person of low moral character (sometimes also used playfully in mild reproach).
"The townspeople demanded justice after learning that the heartless wretch had swindled elderly residents out of their savings."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the noun 'wretch' (an unfortunate or despicable person) with its exact homophone 'retch' (a verb meaning to gag or make the sound and movement of vomiting).
• Rhymes for wretch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'wrecca', meaning an exile, outcast, or stranger driven from their homeland, derived from the Proto-Germanic verb '*wrekana' (to drive out, punish, or avenge, also the root of 'wreak').