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malign

adjective

/məˈlʌɪn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of malign

Harmful, malevolent, or characterized by ill intent and a desire to cause harm or damage.
"The malign influence of social media on young people is a growing concern."

Detailed meaning of malign

When something is characterized as malign, it implies a deliberate and often secretive attempt to hurt or undermine others, whether through actions, words, or intentions. This term can apply to malign influence, malign rumors, or malign behavior, highlighting the harmful and destructive nature of such actions or intentions. "Malign" underscores the idea of negativity and hostility, emphasizing the damaging and malicious aspects of the subject in question.

Example sentences containing malign

1. His malign smile betrayed a malevolent intent, sowing chaos.
2. Gossip's malign grip on friendships tore them asunder.
3. A malign plot aimed to sabotage the project's success.
4. Malicious emails harbored malign attachments, spreading havoc.
5. Destructive malign actions left a trail of ruin behind.
6. Rumors, malign and vicious, spread like wildfire in town.

History and etymology of malign

The adjective 'malign' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'malignus,' which is formed from 'malus' (meaning 'bad' or 'evil') and 'gnus' (indicating inclination or disposition). Therefore, 'malignus' originally conveyed the idea of having a bad or evil disposition. As the term transitioned into English, 'malign' retained its fundamental sense of being harmful, malevolent, or characterized by ill intent and a desire to cause harm or damage. Its etymology reflects the notion of an evil or hostile disposition, making it an appropriate word to describe things or individuals with harmful intentions or characteristics.

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Further usage examples of malign

1. The villain's malign laughter echoed menacingly through the night.
2. Their agenda, fueled by malign intent, aimed to conquer.
3. Malign forces conspired to undermine the government's stability.
4. The malign virus wreaked havoc, crippling the computer system.
5. A malign curse haunted the eerie, abandoned house.
6. The dictator's reign was marred by malign oppression.
7. The serpent's gaze gleamed with malign intent, chilling.
8. Malign thoughts consumed his troubled mind, darkening it.
9. Corporate greed's malign impact devastated the environment.
10. The dark sorcerer harnessed malign magic to defeat foes.
11. She sensed a room's malign energy, sending shivers.
12. Malign natural forces unleashed a devastating, fierce storm.
13. The malign ideology of hate had to be countered urgently.
14. Even his closest friends were stunned by his malign actions.
15. His malign behavior towards his coworkers led to his eventual dismissal.
16. The doctor was worried about the malign tumor in the patient's brain.
17. The government's malign policies towards certain groups have been widely criticized.
18. The malign rumors about the celebrity were completely untrue.
19. The manager's malign attitude towards her employees made for a toxic work environment.
20. The disease was so malign that the patient had only a few months to live.
21. The malign intent behind the terrorist attack was evident in the aftermath.
22. The teacher was alarmed by the malign behavior of one of her students towards others.
23. The malign influence of certain politicians on society is a cause for concern.
24. The company's malign practices towards the environment have been exposed by activists.