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Malign Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malign

[məˈlaɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to speak evil of

To speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame: as, to malign one's enemies.

Synonyms

defame, slander, smear.

Examples of usage

  • He maligned his former boss by spreading false rumors about her.
  • The politician was often maligned by his opponents in the press.
Context #2 | Adjective

evil in nature, influence, or effect; injurious

Having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone

Synonyms

evil, harmful, malevolent.

Examples of usage

  • The malign influence of the criminal organization spread throughout the city.
  • She could not ignore the malign intentions behind his words.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Maligning someone can lead to long-term emotional damage, highlighting the importance of kindness.
  • Research shows that gossiping or maligning others can create a false sense of belonging among groups.
  • Negative words and actions can trigger defense mechanisms in those targeted, increasing conflict.

Literature

  • Often used in classic literature to portray villainous characters who harm others through words.
  • Shakespeare frequently featured characters who malign others, reflecting deep themes of betrayal and trust.
  • In modern literature, maligning often represents the societal consequences of speaking ill of someone.

Pop Culture

  • Media often highlights the effects of maligning in stories where characters face the consequences of their words.
  • Public figures who malign each other often become the center of viral conflicts, resurfacing debates about morality.
  • Television dramas often use maligning as a plot device to create tension between characters.

Sociology

  • Maligning can reflect larger social issues, such as prejudice and discrimination within communities.
  • Different cultures may have varying norms around what constitutes maligning behavior.
  • Social media has intensified the speed at which maligning can occur, leading to 'cancel culture' discussions.

Origin of 'malign'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'malignus', meaning 'evil-minded' or 'wicked'.
  • The prefix 'mal-' means 'bad' in many languages, leading to various words that imply harm or negative intent.
  • Started being used in English around the 14th century, evolving to describe harmful speech or actions.

The word 'malign' originated from the Latin word 'malignus', which means 'wicked' or 'evil'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the meanings of speaking evil of someone or something, as well as describing something evil or harmful in nature.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,952, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.