antihero

[ an-tee-heer-oh, an-tahy- ]

noun

, plural an·ti·he·roes.

1. a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.

antihero

/ ˈæntɪˌhɪərəʊ /

noun

1. a central character in a novel, play, etc, who lacks the traditional heroic virtues

Other Words From

• an·ti·her·o·ism [an-tee-, her, -oh-iz-, uh, m, an-tahy-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antihero¹

First recorded in 1705–15; anti- + hero

Example Sentences

David Mamet might know how to make the most of a character like Joan Rivers, an entertainment hero and antihero, whose story was an American one of success at any cost.

From Los Angeles Times

They see an antihero who’s sticking it to the smug elites.

From Salon

There were love triangles, villains, antiheroes, flashbacks, flash-sideways and a trail of clues that fans eagerly pieced together in an attempt to understand the cryptic island at the center of the show.

From Los Angeles Times

It opened the door to similar series that might never have been pitched or greenlighted otherwise — “Ozark,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Breaking Bad” — and inspired a rage for antiheroes from which television has not yet recovered.

From Los Angeles Times

I am wondering, though, if there are enough voters in this category who assume Gadd will win elsewhere to give this Emmy to Scott for his masterful turn as the antihero in “Ripley.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bad guy
• baddie
• baddy
• criminal
• devil
• scoundrel
• sinner