Meaning & use

malign

verb·Advanced

To say harmful and often untrue things about someone, damaging their reputation.

See it in a sentence

The article was accused of maligning the charity without any solid evidence.

He felt his rival had maligned him in front of the entire staff.

A note on using this word

As a verb, malign means to speak ill of someone; as an adjective, it means harmful or evil, as in 'a malign influence.'

Words with a similar meaning

disparageslanderdefame

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Evil in nature or intent, or having a harmful effect.

The novel traces a malign influence spreading quietly through the town.

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