Definition

having or showing an intention to harm others or cause suffering

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

Adjective

Synonyms

Evil, wicked, malevolent, nefarious, sinister, harmful

Antonyms

Benevolent, kind, good, charitable, altruistic

Example sentences

  • The maleficent sorcerer cast a spell that turned everyone in the kingdom to stone.
  • The maleficent force behind the mysterious disappearance of the children was finally revealed.
  • The maleficent corporation was responsible for contaminating the water supply.

Usage

Maleficent refers to something or someone that is evil or wicked. The term is often used to describe characters in fairy tales or fantasy stories who engage in harmful or destructive acts. In a broader sense, maleficent can refer to anything that is harmful or malevolent in nature, such as a natural disaster, a disease, or an unethical corporation. In general, maleficent things or people are seen as a threat to the well-being of others and are often the subject of fear or hatred. The term can also be used to describe an intention or motivation that is malevolent in nature, such as a desire to cause harm or destruction