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malefic

adjective
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ma·​lef·​ic | \ mə-ˈle-fik How to pronounce malefic (audio) \

Definition of malefic

1 : having malignant influence : baleful
2 : malicious

Examples of malefic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Expect a touch of the supernatural, malefic colleagues and plenty of eccentricity. — Washington Post, "Fall reading: 12 books to keep you occupied for the rest of 2020," 5 Sep. 2020

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

First Known Use of malefic

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for malefic

Latin maleficus wicked, mischievous, from male + -ficus -fic

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The first known use of malefic was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Malefic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malefic. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

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