malefic

adjective

ma·​lef·​ic mə-ˈle-fik How to pronounce malefic (audio)
1
: having malignant influence : baleful
2

Examples of malefic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There are sinister undertones, but the enamored diners don’t realize they are caught in a malefic game of cat-and-mouse until the second course (raw diver scallop, pickled local seaweeds and algae). Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Expect a touch of the supernatural, malefic colleagues and plenty of eccentricity. Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Latin maleficus wicked, mischievous, from male + -ficus -fic

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malefic was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near malefic

Cite this Entry

“Malefic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malefic. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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