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View synonyms for malign

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

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Derived Forms

  • maˈligner, noun
  • maˈlignly, adverb

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Other Words From

  • ma·lign·er noun
  • ma·lign·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of malign1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of malign1

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

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Example Sentences

So, it adds insult to injury when these same men, in their statements, lyrics, and aesthetics, then turn around and malign queerness.

The open letter asserts David is being unfairly maligned and calls for signatures in support of his presidency.

For many in contemporary Tunisia, to call an opponent an Islamist is to question their integrity and malign their motives.

From Time

“Make no mistake, Nancy Pelosi created this committee solely to malign conservatives and to justify the Left’s authoritarian agenda,” Banks said.

From Vox

The Emmys made up for a few Golden Globes snubs by recognizing the limited series “I May Destroy You” and creator-star Michaela Coel, but repeated a Globes shocker by also nominating the oft-maligned “Emily in Paris” for outstanding comedy.

Timor is overjoyed at the malign trouble he and his friends have caused.

For people prone to believe doctors like me are part of some malign conspiracy, nothing I say will make a difference.

She leaves, scared of what she is capable of doing, her malign mentor cackling.

If the answer is yes, there is every chance that the news will throw a malign shadow over the tournament in Brazil.

For a “fair” reading of contemporary Russia is that the country plays a consistently malign role in world affairs.

Some evil influence, some malign destiny, seems ever to have brought disaster where her people looked for progress or happiness.

Mankind's malevolence may makeMuch melancholy musing mine; Many my motives may mistake,My modest merits much malign.

Ignorant, superstitious, worked upon by things as they seemed, the outlaw imagined himself at last beset by malign forces.

At last there came an interval in which the malign influence of our invisible enemy seemed as if withheld.

Did that reverend Basket-bearer intend, by such designation, to shadow forth my future destiny, or his own present malign humor?

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Mali empiremalignancy