Malign

Pronunciation

• enPR: mÉ™-lÄ«n', IPA: /məˈlaɪn/

Origin

Via French from Latin malignus, from malus + genus. Compare benign.

Full definition of malign

Adjective

1. evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.
• Francis BaconWitchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits.
2. malevolent.
• 1891 - Ambrose Bierce, He was sure they stars were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.
3. (oncology) malignanta malign ulcer

Related terms

• malignant

Antonyms

• benign

Verb

1. (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.
2. (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.

Synonyms

Anagrams

• laming
• lingam