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méfait

misdeed; wrongdoing

noun meh-FEH Rare
People & Society Crime

Also means

harmful effect

Usage Note

Méfait most often appears in the plural méfaits when talking about the damaging effects of something: les méfaits du tabac ('the harmful effects of tobacco'). In a legal or moral sense it means a specific wrongdoing or offence. It is built from the prefix mé- and fait (deed).

Examples

"Les méfaits de l'alcool sont bien documentés."

Natural Translation

The harmful effects of alcohol are well documented.

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