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

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

While attempting to malign the immigration policies of his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants in Ohio had been kidnapping and eating residents’ household pets.

From Slate

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

From Salon

Moreover, Trump is already and has long been manipulated by malign forces and bad actors such as Putin and other enemies of America's national interests.

From Salon

Male rage is misdirected at the wrong individuals and groups as it is processed through conspiracism and anti-intellectualism and manipulated by malign actors who are masters at gaming the algorithm and attention economy; facts and reality generally do not supersede or override the power of perception and emotions; joy and hope and calling people names such as “weird” are not effective strategies for stopping such destructive forces.

From Salon