Plural of sinner, referring to people who have committed sins or moral transgressions, especially in religious contexts. Those who have violated divine or moral laws.
From Old English 'syn' meaning offense or guilt, related to Latin 'sons' (guilty). The concept evolved through Christian theology where sin represents separation from divine law or moral perfection.
The word 'sin' originally meant 'to miss the mark' in archery - a metaphor that suggests moral failure is like an archer missing their target rather than intentional evil. This archery connection appears in many languages and suggests that ancient people viewed morality as requiring skill and practice, like marksmanship.
Religious doctrine historically applied moral judgment unequally to women, particularly regarding sexuality. Female 'sinners' faced harsher social consequences than male counterparts.
Use with awareness that religious/moral judgment has historically weaponized the term against women. Consider 'people who have caused harm' or 'those who transgressed' for neutral contexts.
["people who transgressed","those accountable for harm","wrongdoers"]
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