'malign' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'malignus,' where 'mal-' meant 'bad' and '-ignus' meant 'born.'

'malignus' transformed into the Old French word 'maligne,' and eventually became the modern English word 'malign' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'born of bad nature,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'evil in nature' and 'to speak ill of someone.'