malign

[ muh-lahyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame:

   to malign an honorable man.

   Synonyms: vilify, abuse, revile, disparage, calumniate, libel

   Antonyms: praise

adjective

1. evil in effect; pernicious; baleful; injurious:

   The gloomy house had a malign influence upon her usually good mood.

   Synonyms: baneful

2. having or showing an evil disposition; malevolent; malicious:

malign

/ məˈlaɪn /

adjective

1. evil in influence, intention, or effect

verb

1. tr to slander or defame

Derived Forms

• maˈligner, noun
• maˈlignly, adverb

Other Words From

• ma·lign·er noun
• ma·lign·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of malign¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English maligne, from Middle French, from Latin malignus; mal-, benign

Word History and Origins

Origin of malign¹

C14: via Old French from Latin malīgnus spiteful, from malus evil

Example Sentences

Introducing the maligned bill was a condition of ACT joining the coalition led by the center-right National Party and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

From Salon

These malign forces will not magically disappear if Harris or some other Democrat or even a responsible Republican and real “small c” conservative were to become president.

From Salon

Trump is surrounded by malign actors and other people who want to hurt the country for their own corrupt purposes.

From Salon

“Martha” doesn’t gloss over Stewart’s prickly, demanding personality, but it also makes the case that she was unfairly maligned — and ultimately prosecuted — because of her gender.

From Los Angeles Times

The Foreign Office warned of a "vast malign online network" intended to cause disruption and confusion, distributing fake news and undermining democracy.

From BBC