baneful

[ beyn-fuhl ]

adjective

1. destructive; pernicious:

   a baneful superstition.

   Synonyms: toxic, noxious, injurious, harmful

2. Archaic. deadly; poisonous:

   baneful herbs.

baneful

/ ˈbeɪnfʊl /

adjective

1. archaic.
   destructive, poisonous, or fatal

Derived Forms

• ˈbanefully, adverb
• ˈbanefulness, noun

Other Words From

• baneful·ly adverb
• baneful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of baneful¹

First recorded in 1570–80; bane + -ful

Example Sentences

Washington opposed the “baneful effects” of party politics and so knew that his farewell had to unite the nation, had to appeal to a consensus shared equally among artists and bankers, farmers and tradesfolk, soldiers and schoolteachers, even pastors and prisoners.

From Slate

He set out to shame that baneful narrative.

From Washington Post

“I believe,” concluded Scott, “if Congress should at any time be of the opinion that a state of slavery was a quality inadmissible in America, they would not be barred...of prohibiting this baneful quality.”

From Literature

The impact these soldiers had on the South was baneful.

From New York Times

Yet Maskull soon begins to question these received dogmas: What if the world he travels through is really a baneful, sensual illusion, a pretty toy created by Crystalman to beguile us, while Surtur’s mystical realm — called Muspel — is our soul’s true home?

From Washington Post