malignity

[ muh-lig-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural ma·lig·ni·ties

1. the state or character of being malign; malevolence; intense ill will; spite.
2. a malignant feeling, action, etc.

malignity

/ məˈlɪɡnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being malign, malevolent, or deadly
2. often plural a malign or malicious act or feeling

Other Words From

• nonma·ligni·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of malignity¹

1350–1400; Middle English malignitee, from Latin malignitās. See malign, -ity

Synonym Study

See malevolence.

Example Sentences

His malignity and psychopathology seem to attract followers when these same characteristics should repulse people.

From Salon

It was reptilian, insensate, Coleridge’s monster of “motiveless malignity.”

From New York Times

Our monster's malignity stems from pure narcissistic psychopathy — and he refuses to leave the stage or cease his vile mendacity.

From Salon

It would be impossible to describe the expression of hate and baffled malignity—of anger and hellish rage—which came over the Count’s face.

From Literature

In some respects it evokes Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s perception of the “motiveless malignity” of Shakespeare’s Iago.

From Los Angeles Times