malevolence

[muh-lev-uh-luhns]

noun

1. the quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred.

   Synonyms: venom, grudge, spitefulness, spite, maliciousness

Word History and Origins

Origin of malevolence¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

“Lurker” has a casual malevolence, Russell sidling up to his targets before he attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Owens brings a blend of loony energy and sincere malevolence that Cooper can’t quite muster.

From Salon

"It's not a sense of malevolence, but a huge sense of negligence and neglect and not following good practice," added Esme.

From BBC

People who scored higher on the scale had greater control, which correlated with lower measures of hallucination severity and lower perceived malevolence and omnipotence of the voices.

From Salon

In the room with us in Valencia, the dolls eyes’ are hypnotic, carrying a trace of malevolence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonism 
• grudge 
• hostility 
• ill will 
• maliciousness 
• nastiness www.thesaurus.com
• spitefulness www.thesaurus.com
• vindictiveness