'heinous' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'heinous,' which came from Old French 'haineus,' where 'haine' meant 'hatred.'

'haineus' transformed into the Middle English word 'heinous,' and eventually became the modern English word 'heinous.'

Initially, it meant 'full of hatred,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely wicked or shockingly evil.'