maleficence Definition
- 1the act of doing harm or evil, especially by a person who has power or responsibility to do good
- 2an instance of harm or evil done by someone who has power or responsibility to do good
Using maleficence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "maleficence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company was accused of maleficence for polluting the river.
Example
The dictator's maleficence caused great suffering among his people.
Example
The doctor's maleficence resulted in the patient's death.
maleficence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for maleficence
Antonyms for maleficence
Phrases with maleficence
the abuse of power by a public official for personal gain or to cause harm
Example
The politician was charged with maleficence in office for accepting bribes.
the deliberate intent to cause harm or evil
Example
The prosecutor argued that the defendant acted with maleficence of intention when he committed the crime.
the harm or evil caused by failing to take action or fulfill a duty
Example
The company was found guilty of maleficence of neglect for not providing adequate safety measures for its workers.
Origins of maleficence
from Latin 'maleficentia', meaning 'doing evil'
Summary: maleficence in Brief
Maleficence [muh-lef-uh-suhns] refers to the act of doing harm or evil, especially by someone who has power or responsibility to do good. It can also refer to an instance of harm or evil done by such a person. Examples include pollution by a company, suffering caused by a dictator, and a doctor's mistake resulting in a patient's death. Phrases like 'maleficence in office' and 'maleficence of intention' denote specific types of maleficence.
