Meaning & use
malefics
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In traditional astrology, planets believed to exert a harmful or unfortunate influence.
See it in a sentence
Ancient astrologers warned that the malefics, Mars and Saturn, could bring hardship if poorly placed in a birth chart.
The astrologer explained how the malefics were thought to threaten good fortune in old horoscopes.
A note on using this word
The term derives from the Latin maleficus, meaning evil-doing, and survives mainly in astrology, where it contrasts with the favorable benefics.
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Another way to use it
2. noun
Evildoers, or people believed to cause harm through malice or witchcraft.
In folklore, the village blamed local misfortunes on supposed malefics living in the woods.
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