Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - evil

~1 adj 1 someone who is evil deliberately does very cruel things to harm other people  (an evil dictator responsible for the deaths of millions | An evil glint came into her eye when she picked up the knife.) 2 very unpleasant  (There's an evil smell coming from the drains.) 3 connected with the Devil or having special powers to harm people  (evil spirits) 4 having a very harmful influence on people  (the evil effects of materialism) 5 the evil eye the power, which some people believe exists, to harm people by looking at them  (traditional symbols to ward off the evil eye) 6 the evil hour/day etc a time when you expect something unpleasant or difficult to happen  (the evil hour when he would have to face his uncle's anger) - evilly adv ~2 n 1 a very harmful or unpleasant influence or effect  (the evils of capitalism) 2 a powerful force that makes people behave in a cruel way, or wicked behaviour in general  (the eternal struggle between good and evil)  (- see also the lesser of two evils lesser (2), necessary evil necessary1 (3))