malignant
UK: məˈlɪɡnənt | US: məˈlɪɡnənt
adj. (of a disease or tumor) very virulent or infectious, tending to worsen or spread
adj. having or showing a strong desire to harm others; malevolent
The word "malignant" originates from the Latin malignus (ill-disposed, spiteful), derived from malus (bad) + -gnus (born of). The root malign- preserves the core meaning of harm or evil, while the suffix -ant (from Latin -ans) forms adjectives indicating a quality or state. Over time, the term evolved in medical contexts to describe aggressively harmful diseases (e.g., tumors), retaining its original connotation of malevolence in general usage.
The biopsy confirmed the tumor was malignant.
His malignant gossip ruined her reputation.
The disease progressed rapidly due to its malignant nature.
She gave him a malignant glare before turning away.
Environmental factors can contribute to malignant cell growth.