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Maleficent: meaning, definitions and examples

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maleficent

 

[məˈlɛfɪsənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

evil

Causing harm or destruction, especially by supernatural means. Malevolent or wicked in nature. Bringing about misfortune or evil.

Synonyms

evil, malevolent, sinister, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maleficent

Used when specifically referring to someone or something with a strong inclination or intent to cause harm or evil; often used in literature and fantasy contexts to describe malevolent beings.

  • The maleficent witch brewed potions to curse the entire kingdom
evil

A general term for someone or something that is profoundly immoral or malevolent, applicable in a wide range of contexts, from everyday situations to grandiose stories.

  • The dictator was known for his evil deeds
wicked

Can be used to describe someone who is morally wrong and actively engaged in wrongdoings, but sometimes used informally to mean 'cool' or 'awesome' in slang; important to note its dual usage.

  • The wicked queen cast a spell over the land
  • / That skateboarding trick was wicked!
malevolent

Describes someone who has ill will or wishes to do harm; commonly used in both everyday and formal settings to describe someone's harmful intentions.

  • His malevolent glare made everyone in the room uneasy
sinister

Often used to describe something that feels threatening or gives the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen; commonly used in thrillers and mysteries.

  • The abandoned house had a sinister atmosphere

Examples of usage

  • She cast a maleficent spell on the kingdom.
  • The maleficent witch cursed the princess.
  • The maleficent sorcerer plotted his revenge.
  • The maleficent creature lurked in the shadows.
  • The maleficent forces of darkness threatened the land.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'maleficus', meaning 'evil-doer', where 'male' means 'bad' and 'facere' means 'to make or do'.
  • It entered the English language in the 15th century, illustrating a long-standing connection between language and ideas of good versus evil.

Literature

  • In fairy tales, characters described as maleficent often have magical powers and are portrayed as antagonists.
  • The character of Maleficent from Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty' epitomizes this word, showcasing her as a misunderstood villain with deep motivations.

Film and Pop Culture

  • Maleficent was brought back to the spotlight in a 2014 live-action film starring Angelina Jolie, exploring her backstory and showing her as a more complex character.
  • Following the film's popularity, the term 'maleficent' has been associated with stronger, independent female villains in modern cinema.

Psychology

  • Characters labeled as maleficent often represent the darker side of human nature, allowing audiences to explore themes of fear, jealousy, and resistance.
  • The fascination with evil figures like Maleficent can be understood through the psychological concept of the 'shadow self', where individuals confront the darker aspects of their personality.

Cultural Influence

  • The portrayal of maleficent characters has shifted in recent years to include stories showcasing their vulnerabilities and backstories, reflecting a cultural move towards empathy.
  • This change in depiction has sparked discussions about morality in storytelling, challenging audiences to reconsider their views on good and evil.

Translations

Translations of the word "maleficent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 malévola

🇮🇳 दुष्ट

🇩🇪 bösartig

🇮🇩 jahat

🇺🇦 зловісний

🇵🇱 złośliwy

🇯🇵 邪悪な

🇫🇷 maléfique

🇪🇸 maléfica

🇹🇷 kötü niyetli

🇰🇷 악의적인

🇸🇦 خبيثة

🇨🇿 zlovolná

🇸🇰 zlovestná

🇨🇳 恶毒的

🇸🇮 zlobna

🇮🇸 illgjarn

🇰🇿 зұлым

🇬🇪 ბოროტი

🇦🇿 şər

🇲🇽 maléfica

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,868, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.