Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor): In medicine, this is the primary meaning, describing a condition, especially a tumor, that is cancerous, invasive, and likely to spread to other parts of the body.
   • Having or showing a desire to cause harm; malevolent: Describes a person, feeling, or action that is intensely and often violently hostile.

Usage and Examples

• Medical Context:

  • The biopsy confirmed the tumor was malignant.
  • Early detection of malignant melanoma is crucial for successful treatment.

• Character/Behavior Context:

  • She gave him a look of malignant hatred.
  • The dictator was known for his malignant influence on the region.

Advanced Usage

• "Malignant narcissism": A psychological syndrome featuring an extreme mix of narcissism, antisocial behavior, aggression, and paranoia.

  • The character was a study in malignant narcissism, caring for no one but himself.

• "Malignant hypertension": A severe form of high blood pressure that develops rapidly and causes organ damage.

  • The patient was admitted to the ICU with malignant hypertension.

Variants and Related Words

• Malignancy (noun):

  • The state or presence of a malignant tumor; cancer.

    • The scan revealed no evidence of malignancy.
  • The quality of being malevolent.

    • The sheer malignancy of his actions shocked everyone.

• Malignantly (adverb): In a malignant manner.

  • The cells were dividing malignantly.
  • He malignantly sabotaged his rival's project.

Synonyms

• Medical: cancerous, metastatic, invasive.
• Character/Behavior: malevolent, evil, vicious, spiteful, venomous.

Antonyms

• Medical: benign, non-cancerous, harmless.
• Character/Behavior: benevolent, kind, benign.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A malignant force/influence": A harmful or corrupting power.

  • Corruption acted as a malignant force within the government.

• "Turn malignant": To become cancerous or, metaphorically, to become much worse or more hostile.

  • What started as a benign rivalry turned malignant over the years.

Adjective

1. dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor)