Maliciously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฟ
maliciously
[mษหlษชสษsli ]
Definitions
behaving in a harmful way
Intentionally and with the desire to cause harm or damage.
Synonyms
cruelly, malevolently, spitefully, vindictively.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| maliciously |
This word is used when someone intentionally wants to harm or cause pain to another person.
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| spitefully |
This word is used when someone acts with petty ill will or seeks to annoy or hurt others out of spite.
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| vindictively |
This word is used when someone acts out of a desire for revenge or retribution.
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| malevolently |
This word is used when someone wishes harm or evil to others, showing deep ill will.
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| cruelly |
This word is used when someone acts in a way that shows they do not care about causing suffering or pain to others.
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Examples of usage
- He maliciously spread rumors about his coworker.
- She smiled maliciously as she plotted her revenge.
- The cat maliciously knocked over the vase.
- His malicious behavior eventually caught up with him.
- They were accused of acting maliciously towards their competitors.
intending to cause harm
Showing a desire to harm someone or something on purpose.
Synonyms
cruel, malevolent, spiteful, vindictive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| maliciously |
This word is used when someone intends to cause harm or damage deliberately. It suggests intentional harm with no regard for others' well-being.
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| spiteful |
Used to describe actions that are intended to hurt or upset someone out of petty jealousy or bitterness. It often implies small, vindictive actions.
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| vindictive |
Best used to describe someone who has a strong desire to seek revenge and will go to great lengths to achieve it. It carries a heavy connotation of retaliation.
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| malevolent |
This word describes someone who wants to cause harm or evil to others. It's often used in contexts involving deeper, more sinister intentions.
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| cruel |
This term denotes behavior that causes pain and suffering to others, often without remorse. It is generally used to describe actions or people that are heartless and severe.
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Examples of usage
- He had a malicious look in his eyes.
- The malicious software infected thousands of computers.
- She was known for her malicious gossip.
- The article was written with a malicious intent.
- The comments were filled with malicious accusations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, acting 'maliciously' can increase the severity of charges in criminal cases, as it indicates a deliberate intention to harm.
- Most laws regarding defamation consider whether an action was taken maliciously to determine the liability of the accused.
- Malicious acts often fall under tort law, whereby victims can sue for damages caused deliberately.
Psychology
- Studies in social psychology indicate that individuals who act maliciously may have underlying issues such as insecurity or emotional distress.
- People often react differently to maliciousness based on their upbringing; for some, it becomes a learned behavior.
- Malicious behavior can lead to cycles of violence and retaliation in social groups, creating a toxic environment.
Pop Culture
- Villains in movies and books often exhibit malicious traits, which makes them memorable and essential for creating tension.
- The character of Maleficent from Disney is a classic example of malicious intent, portraying themes of betrayal and revenge.
- Cults and conspiracies often arise from malicious intentions, showcasing how harmful acts can spread through social influence.
Internet Culture
- Online, 'maliciously' refers to harmful activities like hacking or spreading false information to damage someone's reputation.
- Cyberbullying is a modern form of malicious behavior, where individuals intentionally hurt others through digital platforms.
- Malicious software (malware) is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computers, reflecting the term's broader implications today.
Origin of 'maliciously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'malitia', meaning 'badness' or 'wickedness', which shows its long history of describing harmful intent.
- The transformation to English occurred in the early 14th century, retaining its negative connotation.
- Related forms include 'maliciousness' (the quality of being mean) and 'malice' (the intention behind harmful actions).
The word 'maliciously' comes from the Latin word 'malitia', meaning 'malice'. The concept of malice has been a part of human behavior for centuries, with people sometimes acting in a malicious manner to achieve their goals or harm others. In legal terms, malicious intent is often a key factor in determining guilt or liability. Understanding the implications of malicious actions is important in both personal relationships and legal proceedings.