baleful Definition
- 1threatening harm; menacing
- 2having a harmful or destructive effect
Using baleful: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "baleful" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The baleful look in his eyes made her uneasy.
Example
The baleful effects of pollution on the environment are well-documented.
Example
The baleful influence of his father led him down a dark path.
Example
The baleful consequences of the war were felt for years to come.
baleful Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with baleful
Example
He gave her a baleful stare that made her feel uncomfortable.
Example
The baleful influence of drugs on society is a growing concern.
baleful consequences
the negative outcomes or results of a particular action or event
Example
The baleful consequences of climate change are already being felt around the world.
Origins of baleful
from Old English 'bealofull', meaning 'dire, wicked'
Summary: baleful in Brief
'Baleful' [ˈbeɪlfʊl] means threatening harm or having a harmful effect. It can describe a person's expression, like 'The baleful look in his eyes made her uneasy,' or the impact of something, like 'The baleful effects of pollution on the environment are well-documented.' The term extends into phrases like 'baleful stare' and 'baleful influence,' which denote menacing looks and harmful impacts, respectively.