Malign - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Malign means to speak harmful untruths about someone or something, often with the intent to damage their reputation. It can also describe something evil or harmful in nature.
Definition:
To speak harmful untruths about someone; to slander or defame.
Synonyms:
slander, defame, vilify, disparage
Part of Speech:
verb, adjective
Antonyms:
praise, commend
Common Collocations:
malign influence, malign intent, malign reputation
Derivatives:
malignity, maligner, malignly
Usage Tips:
Use "malign" to describe harmful speech or actions; often implies deliberate falsehood or ill intent.
Common Phrases:
malign forces at work, don't malign his character, a malign influence
Etymology:
From Latin *malignus* ("wicked"), from *malus* ("bad") + *gignere* ("to produce").
Examples:
- 1. She didn’t mean to malign her colleague’s reputation.
- 2. His malign comments caused unnecessary conflict in the team.
- 3. The article sought to malign the politician without evidence.
- 4. Avoid spreading rumors that could malign someone unfairly.