malignant

ma·lig·nant

adj \mə-ˈlig-nənt\

Definition of MALIGNANT

1

a obsolete : malcontent, disaffected b : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious c : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious

2

: tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria>; especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <a malignant tumor>

— ma·lig·nant·ly adverb

Examples of MALIGNANT

1. a highly malignant form of cancer
2. a powerful and malignant influence

Origin of MALIGNANT

Late Latin malignant-, malignans, present participle of malignari

First Known Use: circa 1545

Related to MALIGNANT

Synonyms: bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, hateful, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent

Antonyms: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words: devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike; acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic; contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving; baleful, baneful, evil; harsh, hostile, inimical; acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous

Near Antonyms: compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted; affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant; affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted; humane; altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic (also philanthropical)

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Rhymes with MALIGNANT

benignant, indignant