Malign
Pronunciation
- enPR: mə-līn', IPA: /məˈlaɪn/
Origin
Via French from Latin malignus, from malus + genus. Compare benign.
Full definition of malign
Adjective
malign
- evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.
- Francis BaconWitchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits.
- malevolent.
- 1891 - Ambrose Bierce, He was sure they stars were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.
- (oncology) malignanta malign ulcer
Related terms
Antonyms
Verb
- (transitive) To make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.
- SouthTo be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling.
- (transitive, archaic) To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong.
- SpenserThe people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them.