malefic
/mə'lefik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Causing harm or evil; having a malignant influence: The word "malefic" describes something that actively produces harmful, evil, or destructive effects. It often implies a supernatural or powerfully negative quality.
Usage
- "Malefic" is a formal and somewhat literary adjective. It is most commonly used to describe forces, influences, or intentions that are profoundly harmful or evil in nature. It is less frequently applied to people than the related word "malevolent."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The villagers feared the malefic spirit said to haunt the ancient forest.
- Astrologers once warned of malefic planets bringing misfortune.
- He was accused of using malefic magic to curse his rivals.
Advanced Usage
- "malefic influence": A common collocation describing a harmful power or effect.
- The historian wrote about the malefic influence of the dictator's propaganda.
- In astrology, "malefic" is a technical term for planets (traditionally Mars and Saturn) believed to bring challenging or negative influences.
Variants and Related Words
- Maleficent (adj): An alternative form with the same meaning, though slightly less common. It is famously used in the fairy tale character "Maleficent."
- Malevolent (adj): Desiring harm to others; showing ill will. While similar, "malevolent" more often describes a person's character or intent, whereas "malefic" often describes an abstract force or influence.
- Benefic (adj): The direct antonym, meaning producing good or beneficial effects.
Synonyms
- Baleful: Threatening harm; menacing.
- Pernicious: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
- Deleterious: Causing harm or damage.
- Noxious: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
Antonyms
- Beneficent: Doing good or resulting in good.
- Benign: Gentle, kindly; not harmful.
- Salutary: Producing good effects; beneficial.
Adjective
- having or exerting a malignant influence
- malevolent stars
- a malefic force