Maleficence: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
maleficence
[ mษหlษfษชsษns ]
moral wrongdoing
Maleficence refers to the act of causing harm or evil, typically through deliberate actions or behaviors. It often describes a violation of ethical or moral principles, particularly in contexts where someone has a responsibility to act in the best interest of others. In the realm of medicine or law, maleficence can result in significant repercussions, placing emphasis on the importance of ethical conduct and the duty to prevent harm.
Synonyms
evil, harmfulness, malevolence.
Examples of usage
- The maleficence of his actions was evident in the harm caused to the victims.
- Medical professionals are bound by a duty to avoid maleficence towards their patients.
- The court found evidence of maleficence in the actions of the negligent caretaker.
Translations
Translations of the word "maleficence" in other languages:
๐ต๐น maleficรชncia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฆเฅเคทเฅเคเคฐเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช รbel
๐ฎ๐ฉ kejahatan
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะปะพ
๐ต๐ฑ zลo
๐ฏ๐ต ๆช่ก
๐ซ๐ท malfaisance
๐ช๐ธ maldad
๐น๐ท kรถtรผlรผk
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฅุณุงุกุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ zlo
๐ธ๐ฐ zlo
๐จ๐ณ ๆถ่ก
๐ธ๐ฎ zlo
๐ฎ๐ธ illverk
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะทาฑะปัะผะดัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ maldad
Etymology
The word 'maleficence' originates from the Latin word 'maleficentia,' which combines 'male' meaning 'bad' or 'evil,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to do' or 'to make.' It entered the English language in the early 17th century and has since been used to encapsulate the idea of malevolent actions. The term is often used in legal and medical contexts, highlighting the moral implications of actions that result in harm. Over time, maleficence has also contrasted with beneficence, emphasizing the dual responsibility to both avoid harm and promote well-being. As society's understanding of ethics has evolved, discussions surrounding maleficence have become increasingly relevant in fields involving responsibility to others, such as healthcare and law.