Maligning: meaning, definitions and examples
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maligning
[məˈlaɪnɪŋ ]
Definition
negative comments
Maligning means to speak about someone in a spitefully manner, suggesting negative things that may not be true. It often involves the intent to harm someone's reputation.
Synonyms
belittle, defame, slander, vilify.
Examples of usage
- The journalist was accused of maligning the politician in his article.
- Avoid maligning others in conversations; it's harmful and unfair.
- She felt hurt when her friends started maligning her character.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'malign' comes from the Latin 'malignus,' meaning 'wicked or evil.'
- It is made up of 'mal-' which means 'bad' and 'line' which in this context can mean 'to speak.'
- The term has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe harmful speech.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often malign each other to gain power and diminish their foes.
- The theme of maligning appears in numerous novels, where characters face backlash and negative reputations due to lies and deceit.
- Classic literature often showcases the social consequences of maligning one another, emphasizing the moral lessons learned.
Psychology
- Maligning can be seen as a form of social aggression, damaging relationships and community trust.
- Research suggests that being the target of maligning behavior can lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation.
- Understanding the motivations behind maligning can help in conflict resolution and improving interpersonal relationships.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often highlights maligning, where cast members speak negatively about each other for drama.
- Maligning is a recurring theme in celebrity news, often leading to public feuds and controversies.
- Songs and films frequently depict characters who face maligning, illustrating the impact of false allegations.
Legal Context
- Maligning can lead to legal issues such as defamation, where individuals sue for damage to their reputation.
- In many legal systems, proving maligning requires showing that the statements made were not only false but also harmful.
- Public figures often navigate the complexities of maligning, as their reputation is susceptible to public scrutiny.
Translations
Translations of the word "maligning" in other languages:
🇵🇹 difamando
🇮🇳 बदनाम करना
🇩🇪 verleumden
🇮🇩 menjelekkan
🇺🇦 наклеп
🇵🇱 zniesławianie
🇯🇵 中傷する
🇫🇷 diffamer
🇪🇸 difamar
🇹🇷 karalamak
🇰🇷 비방하다
🇸🇦 تشويه السمعة
🇨🇿 pomlouvání
🇸🇰 ohováranie
🇨🇳 中伤
🇸🇮 obrekati
🇮🇸 dýrka
🇰🇿 қаралаушы
🇬🇪 გალანძღვა
🇦🇿 təhqir etmək
🇲🇽 difamar