baneful

adjective

bane·ful | \ ˈbān-fəl

Definition of baneful

1 : productive of destruction or woe : seriously harmful a baneful influence

2 archaic : poisonous

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Choose the Right Synonym for baneful

pernicious, baneful, noxious, deleterious, detrimental mean exceedingly harmful. pernicious implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining. the claim that pornography has a pernicious effect on society baneful implies injury through poisoning or destroying. the baneful notion that discipline destroys creativity noxious applies to what is both offensive and injurious to the health of a body or mind. noxious chemical fumes deleterious applies to what has an often unsuspected harmful effect. a diet found to have deleterious effects detrimental implies obvious harmfulness to something specified. the detrimental effects of excessive drinking

Examples of baneful in a Sentence

The legislation could have a baneful effect on the poor. the baneful consequences of war

Recent Examples on the Web

Chaos convincingly ebbs and flows in this rattling film, a baneful tide lapping at some of history’s most troubled shores. — Richard Lawson, HWD, "Gorgeous, Gripping Dunkirk Is This Summer’s Most Surprising Movie," 20 July 2017 Chaos convincingly ebbs and flows in this rattling film, a baneful tide lapping at some of history’s most troubled shores. — Richard Lawson, vanityfair.com, "Gorgeous, Gripping Dunkirk Is This Summer’s Most Surprising Movie," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'baneful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.