malignant
ma·lig·nant
adjective \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
- a highly malignant form of cancer
- 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
ma·lig·nant
adjective \mə-ˈlig-nənt\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of MALIGNANT
1
: tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria>; especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <malignant tumors>—compare benign 1
2
: of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment <psychotic reactions with a malignant trend>
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