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Maligned: meaning, definitions and examples

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maligned

 

[məˈlaɪnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to speak ill

Maligned is the past tense of malign, which means to speak about someone in a critical or disparaging manner. It often involves making false or exaggerated claims that harm someone's reputation. People who are maligned may suffer emotional distress and social repercussions due to the hurtful words used against them. The action of maligning someone often stems from jealousy, misunderstanding, or personal grievances. In societal contexts, malignment can contribute to the spread of rumors and harmful stereotypes.

Synonyms

belittled, defamed, slandered, vilified.

Examples of usage

  • She was maligned by her colleagues at work.
  • The politician was maligned in the media for his controversial statements.
  • He felt maligned when his character was attacked online.
  • The public figure was often maligned by the press.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'male' meaning 'badly' and 'dīcere' meaning 'to speak'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting a growing concern with reputation and criticism.
  • The prefix 'mal-' appears in other words like 'malicious' and 'malfunction', all conveying negative meanings.

Psychology

  • Maligning someone can lead to social isolation for the targeted individual, affecting their mental health.
  • Spreading false information about others can result in a phenomenon known as 'groupthink', where negative beliefs are reinforced within a group.
  • Research shows that people are more likely to believe negative information about others than positive information, highlighting biases in human perception.

Literature

  • In literary works, characters often use maligning as a tool for conflict, deepening the story's tension.
  • Classic literature has showcased the impact of maligning, illustrating themes of betrayal and the quest for truth.
  • The act of maligning someone often reveals deeper societal issues, such as jealousy, power struggles, or moral failings.

Pop Culture

  • Maligning is a common theme in reality TV, where cast members often speak negatively about each other to create drama.
  • Social media platforms can amplify maligning, allowing false narratives to spread quickly and affecting public perception.
  • Movies often depict villains who malign their opponents as a way to manipulate others and gain power.

History

  • Throughout history, public figures have faced maligning, often as a political strategy to undermine opponents.
  • The Salem witch trials involved maligning of innocent people, showcasing how rumors can lead to tragic outcomes.
  • In wartime, propaganda has been used to malign enemies, altering public sentiment and justifying actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "maligned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difamado

🇮🇳 बदनाम

🇩🇪 verleumdet

🇮🇩 dihujat

🇺🇦 підданий осуду

🇵🇱 oszczerżony

🇯🇵 中傷された

🇫🇷 diffamé

🇪🇸 difamado

🇹🇷 karalanmış

🇰🇷 비방당한

🇸🇦 مُشَوه

🇨🇿 ohrožený

🇸🇰 ohovorený

🇨🇳 被诽谤

🇸🇮 obsojen

🇮🇸 svarður

🇰🇿 қараланған

🇬🇪 ბრალდებული

🇦🇿 badnam

🇲🇽 difamado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,148, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.