malfeasance
|mal/fea/sance|
C1
/mælˈfiːzəns/
official wrongdoing
Etymology
Etymology Information
'malfeasance' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'malfaisance,' where 'mal-' meant 'bad' and 'faisance' meant 'doing.'
Historical Evolution
'malfaisance' transformed into the English word 'malfeasance' during the late Middle English period.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'bad doing,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'wrongdoing, especially by a public official.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
wrongdoing, especially by a public official.
The mayor was accused of malfeasance in office.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42