Entry Word: baleful

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come <a dark, baleful sky portending a tornado> — see ominous
2 causing or capable of causing harm <contends that the violent content of so much of popular entertainment is a baleful influence on our society> — see harmful
3 likely to cause or capable of causing death <a medicine that is beneficial in small doses but baleful in large> — see deadly