wrong

wrong [rôŋ]

adj.

[ME, crooked, twisted, wrong < OE wrang < ON rangr, wrangr, wrong, twisted: for IE base see WRING]

1. not in accordance with justice, law, morality, etc.; unlawful, immoral, or improper

2. not in accordance with an established standard, previous arrangement, given intention, etc. [the wrong method, came on the wrong day]

3. not suitable or appropriate [the wrong thing to say]

4.

a) contrary to fact, reason, some set standard, etc.; incorrect; inaccurate; false

b) acting, judging, believing, etc. incorrectly; mistaken

5. unsatisfactory; in a bad state or condition

6. not functioning properly; out of order [something wrong with her eyes]

7. designating the side, surface, etc. that is not meant to be seen; designating the unfinished, inner, or under side [the wrong side of a fabric]

adv.

in a wrong manner, direction, etc.; so as to be wrong; incorrectly; amiss

n.

1. that which is not right, or not just, proper, correct, etc.; esp., an unjust or immoral act

2. Law a violation or invasion of a legal right; injurious act, as a tort

vt.

1. to treat badly or unjustly; do wrong to; injure

2. to think badly of without real justification

3. to malign; dishonor

4. to seduce (a woman)

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☆ get someone in wrong

Informal to bring someone into disfavor

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get someone (or something) wrong

Informal to fail to understand someone (or something) properly

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go wrong

1. to turn out badly

2. to change from good behavior to bad; go astray

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in the wrong

not on the side supported by truth, justice, etc.

wronger

n.

wrongly

adv.

wrongness

n.

SYN.- WRONG implies the inflicting of unmerited injury or harm upon another [he was wronged by false charges ]; OPPRESS implies a burdening with harsh, rigorous impositions or the cruel or unjust use of power [oppressed by heavy taxation ]; PERSECUTE suggests constant harassment or the relentless infliction of cruelty and suffering [the persecuted minorities of Nazi Germany ]; AGGRIEVE suggests the infliction of such wrongs or injuries as seem a just cause for complaint or resentment [aggrieved by her ill-treatment of him ]; ABUSE suggests improper or hurtful treatment, as by the use of insulting or coarse language [her much- abused husband ]