maligning
|ma-lign-ing|
/məˈlaɪn/
(malign)
spoken ill of
Etymology
'malign' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'malignus', where 'mal-' meant 'bad' and the term described a bad or ill-disposed nature.
'malign' changed from Old French (e.g. 'maligne' / 'malin') into Middle English forms such as 'maligne' and eventually became the modern English word 'malign'.
Initially it meant 'bad-natured' or 'tending to evil', but over time it developed senses meaning 'harmful' and the verbal sense 'to speak ill of, to defame'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'malign'; to speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical or slanderous way; to defame.
They accused him of maligning his former partner.
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Adjective 1
having or showing a wish to do evil or cause harm; malicious or harmful (used attributively, e.g. 'maligning remarks').
His maligning comments harmed her reputation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 11:20