Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Maligned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

maligned

[mษ™หˆlaษชnd ]

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'maligned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'male' meaning 'badly' and 'dฤซcere' 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.

The word 'maligned' originated from the Middle English term 'malignen', which stems from the Latin 'malignari' meaning 'to speak evil of'. The prefix 'mal-' denotes 'bad' or 'ill', while 'gnus' connects to 'birth or origin', implying a negative origin or nature. Over time, the word evolved through various forms, retaining its essence of disparagement and negativity. By the early 17th century, it was commonly used in English literature to highlight the act of speaking negatively about others. The word carries connotations of moral judgment, suggesting that those who malign others do so from a place of malice or ill intent. Today, 'maligned' is frequently used in both personal and political contexts, reflecting not just criticism but also the damaging impact of such remarks on individuals and their reputations.

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.