malevolence

[ muh-lev-uh-luhns ]
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noun
  1. the quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred.

Origin of malevolence

1
First recorded in 1425–75; from Latin malevolentia, from malevolent- (stem of malevolēns malevolent) + -ia -y; replacing late Middle English malivolence, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

synonym study For malevolence

Malevolence, malignity, rancor suggest the wishing of harm to others. Malevolence is a smoldering ill will: a vindictive malevolence in her expression. Malignity is a deep-seated and virulent disposition to injure; it is more dangerous than malevolence, because it is not only more completely concealed but it often instigates harmful acts: The malignity of his nature was shocking. Rancor is a lasting, corrosive, and implacable hatred and resentment.

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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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