malevolent Definition
- 1having or showing a wish to do evil to others
- 2having or showing intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred
Using malevolent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "malevolent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The malevolent witch cast a spell on the princess.
Example
He had a malevolent expression on his face when he saw his ex-girlfriend with another man.
Example
The dictator's malevolent actions caused great suffering for his people.
malevolent Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for malevolent
Antonyms for malevolent
Idioms Using malevolent
an evil or envious look
Example
She gave him a malevolent eye when he won the lottery.
an unfortunate or disastrous outcome that seems to be caused by an evil force or power
Example
Despite their best efforts, they could not escape the malevolent fate that awaited them.
malevolent force
an evil or destructive power or influence
Example
The heroes had to overcome the malevolent force that threatened to destroy the world.
Phrases with malevolent
an evil or harmful supernatural being
Example
The villagers believed that a malevolent spirit was responsible for the strange occurrences in the forest.
the desire or intention to cause harm or suffering to others
Example
The prosecutor argued that the defendant had malevolent intent when he committed the crime.
a negative or harmful effect on someone or something
Example
The company's malevolent influence on the environment was widely criticized by environmentalists.
Origins of malevolent
from Latin 'malevolus', meaning 'ill-disposed'
Summary: malevolent in Brief
The term 'malevolent' [məˈlevələnt] describes a person or thing that has or shows a desire to do evil or harm to others. It is often used to describe people who are malicious, spiteful, or vindictive, as well as supernatural beings like 'malevolent spirits.' The term also extends into idioms like 'malevolent eye,' which refers to an evil or envious look, and 'malevolent fate,' which describes an unfortunate or disastrous outcome caused by an evil force or power.
