malign
UK: məˈlaɪn | US: məˈlaɪn
vt. to speak harmful untruths about someone; slander
adj. evil in nature or effect; harmful
malign = mal<bad> + ign<pertaining to>
- mal<bad>: From Latin malus (bad, evil). This root appears in words like malicious, malady, and malpractice.
- ign<pertaining to>: From Latin -ignus (a suffix indicating association or tendency). This is less common but aligns with the word’s Latin origin.
Etymology Origin:
The word malign traces back to Latin malignus (wicked, spiteful), combining malus (bad) and -ignus (a suffix suggesting tendency). Over time, it evolved in Middle English (via Old French malin) to describe both harmful actions (verb) and inherently harmful qualities (adjective). The dual meaning reflects the word’s enduring association with intentional harm, whether through speech or inherent nature.
The tabloids often malign celebrities with false rumors.
She gave him a malign look, full of undisguised hostility.
The dictator’s malign influence corrupted the nation’s institutions.
His reputation was maligned by jealous colleagues.
The witch in the story was a malign force, cursing the village.