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Baneful: meaning, definitions and examples

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baneful

 

[ ˈbeɪn.fəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

harmful effect

Baneful refers to something that causes harm, ruin, or destruction. It can describe actions, substances, or influences that result in negative consequences. The term often conveys a sense of malevolence or ill-intent behind the harmful nature. For example, baneful influences in one's life may lead to negative outcomes or detrimental effects on health or wellbeing.

Synonyms

damaging, destructive, harmful, malevolent, pernicious

Examples of usage

  • The baneful effects of pollution are evident in the declining health of residents.
  • He warned of the baneful influence of greed in politics.
  • The author depicts a baneful society where trust is absent.
  • Their baneful actions led to widespread destruction.

Translations

Translations of the word "baneful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nocivo

🇮🇳 हानिकारक

🇩🇪 schädlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 шкідливий

🇵🇱 szkodliwy

🇯🇵 有害な

🇫🇷 nuisible

🇪🇸 nocivo

🇹🇷 zararlı

🇰🇷 해로운

🇸🇦 ضار

🇨🇿 škodlivý

🇸🇰 škodlivý

🇨🇳 有害的

🇸🇮 škodljiv

🇮🇸 skaðlegur

🇰🇿 зиянды

🇬🇪 მავნე

🇦🇿 zərərli

🇲🇽 nocivo

Etymology

The word 'baneful' has its roots in the Old English term 'bana', meaning 'murderer' or 'killer', which is related to the verb 'banian', meaning 'to kill' or 'to destroy'. The prefix 'be-' in Old English often implied an intensifying role, making 'baneful' effectively mean something that is extremely harmful or leading to death. Over time, 'baneful' evolved to signify anything that is ruinous or destructive, incorporating contexts ranging from personal relationships to environmental issues. It has been used since the late Middle Ages, often in literary contexts, to evoke strong imagery of malignity and harmful consequences, as in Shakespearean works where it described disastrous forces or traits. The term remains relevant in contemporary language, particularly in discussions about toxic influences and harmful situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,909, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.