malign

/mə'lain/

Definition

Adjective:
- Evil in nature or effect; malevolent: Describes something or someone that is actively harmful, intending to cause damage or suffering.
- Having an evil disposition; showing ill will: Characterized by malice or intense hostility.
- (Medicine) Of a tumor or disease: Malignant, tending to become progressively worse and potentially result in death.
Verb (transitive):
- To speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical or defamatory manner; to slander: To make false and damaging statements about someone.

Examples of Usage

Adjective:
- She gave him a malign glare that made him shiver.
- The dictator's malign influence spread fear throughout the region.
- The biopsy confirmed it was a malign tumor.
Verb:
- He was accused of trying to malign his opponent's character during the campaign.
- She felt her reputation had been maligned by the false rumors.

Advanced Usage

"Malign influence": A harmful or corrupting power or effect.
- The cult leader exerted a malign influence over his followers.
"Malign intent": The purpose or intention to do harm.
- The prosecutor argued the act was done with malign intent.

Variants and Related Words

Malignancy (noun):
- The quality or state of being malignant. (The malignancy of the gossip was shocking.)
- A malignant tumor. (He was diagnosed with a malignancy.)
Malignant (adjective):
- (Of a disease) very virulent or infectious; (of a tumor) tending to invade normal tissue or recur. (The cancer was malignant.)
- Having or showing a strong desire to harm someone; malevolent. (She gave him a malignant smile.)
Malignity (noun):
- The state or character of being malign; intense ill will or hatred. (The malignity in his words was unmistakable.)
Maligner (noun):
- A person who maligns another; a slanderer. (He was known as a vicious maligner.)

Synonyms

Adjective: Malevolent, evil, harmful, malicious, spiteful, baleful, sinister, pernicious.
Verb: Defame, slander, libel, vilify, disparage, badmouth, smear, calumniate.

Antonyms

Related Phrases

"To cast malign aspersions": To make damaging and untrue remarks about someone's character.
- The article cast malign aspersions on the integrity of the judges.
"A force for good/ill": While not using "malign" directly, this phrase contrasts with the concept of a "malign force."
- He used his wealth as a force for good, not a malign force.

Adjective

having or exerting a malignant influence
- malevolent stars
- a malefic force
evil or harmful in nature or influence
- prompted by malign motives
- believed in witches and malign spirits
- gave him a malign look
- a malign lesion

Verb

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