Rogue

Definition

Rogue can function as a noun meaning a dishonest or unprincipled person or an animal living apart from its herd; as an adjective, it describes something behaving unpredictably, independently, or beyond control, often for harmful effect.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /roʊɡ/
• Respelling: ROHG

British English

• IPA: /rəʊɡ/
• Respelling: ROHG

Etymology

Late 15th century: from Old French rogue ‘rogue, scoundrel,’ of uncertain origin, perhaps related to Latin rogare ‘to ask’ in the sense of extortion or begging.

Derivatives

• roguish (adjective)
• roguishly (adverb)
• roguishness (noun)
• roguery (noun)
• roguing (verb gerund/transitive: to rogue plants)

Synonyms

• Noun: scoundrel, rascal, knave, miscreant
• Adjective: unprincipled, renegade, unpredictable, wayward

Antonyms

• Noun: paragon, saint, upstanding citizen
• Adjective: reliable, obedient, predictable, conforming

Usage

Noun: The noun "rogue" is used in social, political, and environmental contexts to describe a person or animal acting outside accepted norms. For example, "He was branded a rogue trader after the financial scandal," or "A rogue elephant broke away from the herd."

Adjective: The adjective "rogue" describes actions or entities operating unpredictably or illegally. For example, "The company cracked down on a rogue antivirus update," or "Rogue waves can capsize even large vessels."

Related Terms

• Outlaw: Someone who operates outside the law.
• Maverick: An independent-minded person.
• Renegade: One who betrays an organization or set of principles.
• Scoundrel: A cruel or unscrupulous person.
• Pariah: A person rejected by society.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A dishonest, unprincipled person – someone who deceives or defrauds others.
  • Example: "The fraud squad pursued the rogue accountant who embezzled funds."
• An animal living alone or behaving unpredictably – often dangerous or disruptive to its group.
  • Example: "A rogue bull charged across the field."

Adjective

• Behaving unpredictably or uncontrollably – acting outside expected rules or norms.
  • Example: "Emergency crews responded to a rogue gas leak that sensors failed to detect."
• Operating outside official or authorized channels – independent and often illicit.
  • Example: "A rogue state pursued its own chemical weapons program."