Baleful

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈbeɪl.fÉ™l/

Alternative forms

• balefull archaic

Origin

From Old English bealofull.

Full definition of baleful

Adjective

1. Portending evil; ominous.
• 1674 -- John Milton: Paradise Lost ()round he throws his baleful eyes, that witnessed huge affliction and dismay.
• 1873, James Thomson (B.V.), The street-lamps burn amid the baleful glooms,Amidst the soundless solitudes immenseOf ranged mansions dark and still as tombs.
2. Miserable, wretched, distressed, suffering.