wretch
pronunciation
How to pronounce wretch in British English:
UK [retʃ]
How to pronounce wretch in American English:
US [rɛtʃ]
-
- Noun:
- performs some wicked deed
- someone you feel sorry for
Word Origin
- wretch (n.)
- Old English wrecca "wretch, stranger, exile," from Proto-Germanic *wrakjon "pursuer; one pursued" (cognates: Old Saxon wrekkio, Old High German reckeo "a banished person, exile," German recke "renowned warrior, hero"), related to Old English wreccan "to drive out, punish" (see wreak). "The contrast in the development of the meaning in Eng. and German is remarkable" [OED]. Sense of "vile, despicable person" developed in Old English, reflecting the sorry state of the outcast, as presented in Anglo-Saxon verse (such as "The Wanderer"). Compare German Elend "misery," from Old High German elilenti "sojourn in a foreign land, exile."
Example
- 1. The little wretch is only nineteen .
- 2. That sav 'd a wretch like me !
- 3. What will happen when the poor wretch retires ?
- 4. That wretch is hitting on my girl .
- 5. But the wall was slowly covered by the faces and stories of victims of violence , and I , miserable wretch , had to read them all .