wretch

[ rech ]

noun

1. a deplorably unfortunate or unhappy person.
2. a person of despicable or base character.

wretch

/ rɛtʃ /

noun

1. a despicable person
2. a person pitied for his misfortune

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

before 900; Middle English wrecche, Old English wrecca exile, adventurer; cognate with German Recke warrior, hero, Old Norse rekkr man

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

Old English wrecca; related to Old Saxon wrekkeo, Old High German reccheo (German Recke warrior), Old Norse rek ( n ) ingr

Example Sentences

This pathetic wretch longs to escape to Istanbul, where he can be around the worldly types he prefers.

From Los Angeles Times

At Rachel’s burial, Jackson angrily said, “I can and do forgive all my enemies. But those vile wretches who have slandered her must look to God for mercy.”

From Literature

You know, the one where “The wretch, concentred all in self / Living, shall forfeit fair renown”?

From Los Angeles Times

In the play, King Henry laments the cardinal - his great uncle's - death, saying: 'O! beat away the busy, meddling fiend that lays siege unto this wretch's soul'.

From BBC

She rejected what she described as the “Western perception that the African female is a downtrodden wretch.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• rascal