malign

(adjective, verb)

adjective

1. evil or harmful in nature or influence

- prompted by malign motives

- believed in witches and malign spirits

- gave him a malign look

Similar word(s): maleficent, cancerous, harmful, unkind

2. having or exerting a malignant influence

Similar word(s): maleficent, evil, malefic, malevolent

verb

1. speak unfavorably about

Similar word(s): badmouth, traduce

Definition categories: communication, asperse, besmirch, calumniate, defame, denigrate, slander, smear, smirch, sully