malefic
|ma-le-fic|
/məˈlɛfɪk/
causing harm
Etymology
'malefic' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'maleficus', where 'male-' meant 'badly' and the element related to 'facere' meant 'to do' (thus 'doing evil').
'malefic' changed from Latin 'maleficus' into Old French 'malefic' and then entered Middle English as 'malefic', eventually becoming the modern English word 'malefic'.
Initially it meant 'doing evil or committing harmful acts,' but over time it evolved into the current meanings of 'harmful, evil' as an adjective and 'an evil or harmful influence' as a noun (notably in astrology).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an evil or harmful influence or entity; in astrology, a planet considered to bring bad effects (a 'malefic' planet).
In traditional astrology, Saturn was often called a malefic.
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Adjective 1
causing or capable of causing harm or evil; harmful, malevolent.
The ritual was said to have a malefic effect on the village.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 23:31