Malevolent: meaning, definitions and examples

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malevolent

[məˈlɛvələnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

evil

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Synonyms

maleficent, malicious, sinister, wicked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malevolent	Use 'malevolent' to describe someone or something with a strong desire to cause harm or evil toward others. This term often suggests a deeply ingrained intention to harm. He gave her a malevolent stare that made her shudder. The malevolent spirit haunted the old mansion.
malicious	It is used when describing actions or comments that are intended to harm, hurt, or upset someone. 'Malicious' often implies a deliberate and spiteful intention, but not necessarily deeply rooted evil. She spread malicious rumors about her coworker. The hacker performed a malicious attack on the website.
wicked	This term can be used to describe actions, people, or things that are morally wrong or evil. It is a more general term and can occasionally be used in a lighter, more colloquial sense, for instance, to describe something impressively good in an informal context, but in the context of evil, it denotes a clear moral wrongdoing. The wicked stepmother treated Cinderella harshly. He has a wicked sense of humor.
sinister	This word works well when describing something that suggests evil, harm, or a sense of danger. 'Sinister' often carries a sense of foreboding or ominous intent. There was something sinister about the abandoned house. His sinister smile made her feel uneasy.
maleficent	This word is particularly useful in fantasy or fairy-tale contexts to describe evil actions or intentions. It often has a dramatic and storybook-like quality. The maleficent witch cast a spell on the princess. Her maleficent laughter echoed through the dark woods.

Examples of usage

He had a malevolent gleam in his eye.
The malevolent dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
She sensed the malevolent presence lurking in the shadows.
The malevolent spirits haunted the old house.
The malevolent intentions of the villain were clear.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

harmful

Having a harmful effect; injurious.

Synonyms

damaging, destructive, noxious, pernicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
malevolent	Used to describe someone or something with a strong desire to cause harm or evil intentionally. It often implies a deep-rooted malicious intent. The villain in the story is portrayed as a malevolent character who takes pleasure in others' suffering. Her malevolent grin sent shivers down my spine.
damaging	Refers to something that causes physical, emotional, or reputational harm. It is often used in contexts where the harm is not necessarily intentional but still significant. The hurricane left a trail of damaging effects on the city. Spreading false rumors can be very damaging to someone's reputation.
destructive	Used when something causes a great deal of damage, especially when it results in complete ruin or abolition. It often describes extensive physical harm or damage over a wide area. The earthquake had a destructive impact on the entire region. His rage was so intense that it became destructive to his relationships.
pernicious	Describes something that is harmful in a gradual, subtle way. Often used in contexts where the harm is not immediately obvious but becomes significant over time. The pernicious effects of smoking may not be noticeable immediately, but they are deadly over time. There is a pernicious rumor spreading through the office that is creating mistrust among the employees.
noxious	Commonly applied to substances or environments that are harmful to health. It can also be used metaphorically to describe harmful ideas or people. The factory was fined for releasing noxious fumes into the atmosphere. His noxious influence on the team led to many conflicts and issues.

Examples of usage

The malevolent influence of the drug led to addiction.
His malevolent actions caused harm to those around him.
The malevolent bacteria spread quickly through the population.
The malevolent impact of pollution on the environment is evident.
The malevolent nature of the disease made it difficult to cure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'malevolens,' which means 'ill-wishing' or 'spiteful.'
It is formed from 'male,' meaning 'badly,' and 'velle,' meaning 'to wish.'

Literature

Malevolent characters often serve as antagonists in stories, such as villains in fairy tales who plot against heroes.
William Shakespeare featured several malevolent figures, like Iago in 'Othello,' who embodies cunning and deceit.

Psychology

The concept of malevolence is often studied in the context of dark personality traits, including aggression and manipulation.
Research suggests that individuals with traits associated with malevolence may struggle with empathy and compassion.

Pop Culture

In movies, malevolent characters are often depicted with exaggerated evil traits, such as the Joker in Batman who seeks chaos.
Several popular video games feature malevolent forces as main antagonists, compelling players to overcome them.

History

Historically, malevolent leaders have been responsible for significant harm, such as dictators who oppress their people.
The malevolent actions of certain regimes throughout history have led to wars and humanitarian crises, impacting millions.

Translations

Translations of the word "malevolent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 malévolo

🇮🇳 द्वेषपूर्ण

🇩🇪 bösartig

🇮🇩 jahat

🇺🇦 зловмисний

🇵🇱 złośliwy

🇯🇵 悪意のある

🇫🇷 malveillant

🇪🇸 malévolo

🇹🇷 kötü niyetli

🇰🇷 악의적인

🇸🇦 خبيث

🇨🇿 zlovolný

🇸🇰 zlomyseľný

🇨🇳 恶意的

🇸🇮 zlonameren

🇮🇸 illgjarnt

🇰🇿 жауыз

🇬🇪 ბოროტი

🇦🇿 bədxah

🇲🇽 malévolo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,593, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20590 retaliate
20591 puerperal
20592 brewed
20593 malevolent
20594 harrow
20595 revel
20596 disapproving
...