maligns
|ma-lyns|
/məˈlaɪn/
(malign)
spoken ill of
Etymology
'malign' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'malignus', where 'mal-' meant 'bad'.
'malign' changed from Old French/Middle English 'maligne' and eventually became the modern English word 'malign'.
Initially, it meant 'bad-natured' or 'harmful', but over time it also came to mean 'to speak harmful untruths about someone' (to slander).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third person singular present of 'malign'.
He maligns his colleagues behind their backs.
Verb 2
to speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner; to slander or defame.
She maligns her rivals to gain an advantage.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
having or showing a wish to do evil; harmful in effect.
A malign influence can undermine trust.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 23:53