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dastardly

adjective

/ˈdæstərdli/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dastardly

Characterized by cowardice, underhandedness, or extreme wickedness.
"The villain’s dastardly plot was foiled by the hero at the last moment."

Detailed meaning of dastardly

When someone engages in dastardly deeds, they typically exhibit a complete lack of moral or ethical principles, often resorting to deceit, treachery, or cruelty to achieve their goals. This term is commonly employed to condemn actions that are not only morally reprehensible but also carried out in a sneaky or malicious manner, often with the intent to harm others while avoiding direct confrontation or accountability. In essence, "dastardly" is a strong and pejorative term used to emphasize the despicable and contemptible nature of certain actions or individuals.

Example sentences containing dastardly

1. His dastardly act of betrayal left her heartbroken.
2. He laughed a dastardly laugh as he tied the damsel to the railroad tracks.
3. The detective uncovered the dastardly scheme behind the counterfeit money operation.
4. His dastardly behavior earned him the disdain of everyone in the village.
5. The pirates engaged in dastardly deeds as they terrorized the high seas.
6. The spy snuck into the enemy base to unravel their dastardly plans.

History and etymology of dastardly

The adjective 'dastardly' has its origins in the Middle English word 'dastard,' which was used to describe a coward or a person lacking courage. This Middle English term likely evolved from the Old French word 'dastard,' which had a similar meaning. The exact etymology of 'dastard' beyond Old French is uncertain, but it is thought to have been influenced by the Old French word 'daster,' meaning 'to discourage' or 'to intimidate.' Over time, 'dastard' acquired the '-ly' suffix, creating 'dastardly,' and its meaning expanded to describe actions or behaviors characterized by cowardice, underhandedness, or extreme wickedness. Its etymology reflects the idea of individuals displaying unscrupulous or cowardly behavior, emphasizing the negative and contemptible nature of such actions.

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Further usage examples of dastardly

1. The cat hid behind the curtains with a dastardly glint in its eyes, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting dog.
2. He wore a dastardly grin as he explained his plan to take over the company.
3. The dastardly crime committed by the gang left the whole town in shock.
4. Her dastardly betrayal led to the downfall of the rebellion.
5. The cunning magician tricked his audience with a dastardly sleight of hand.
6. The bandit’s dastardly plan was to rob the train and escape into the night.
7. The jester played a dastardly prank on the king that almost cost him his head.
8. The warrior fought bravely, despite facing a dastardly and underhanded opponent.
9. The detective's sharp wit helped him to quickly unravel the dastardly mystery.
10. The dastardly villain plotted to steal the crown jewels under the cover of darkness.
11. His dastardly scheme involved framing an innocent man for the crime.
12. The dastardly act of betrayal shattered their trust forever.
13. A dastardly grin crossed his face as he revealed his evil plan.
14. The dastardly plot unfolded with sinister precision.
15. Her dastardly tactics left a trail of ruined lives in her wake.
16. The dastardly assassin struck without warning, leaving no witnesses.
17. The dastardly fraudster conned his victims out of their life savings.
18. The dastardly deeds of the criminal organization terrorized the city.
19. His dastardly lies caused irreparable damage to her reputation.
20. The dastardly captain abandoned his crew in their time of need.
21. The dastardly betrayal cut deeper than any sword.
22. The dastardly plan involved poisoning the king's food.
23. She exposed the dastardly truth hidden behind the façade.
24. The dastardly villain reveled in the suffering he caused.
25. The dastardly pirate raided ships along the treacherous coast.
26. Their dastardly intentions were masked by their charming demeanor.
27. The dastardly duo escaped justice time and again.
28. The dastardly act of sabotage crippled their chances of success.
29. The dastardly mastermind manipulated events from the shadows.