malefic

adjective

ma·​lef·​ic mə-ˈle-fik How to pronounce malefic (audio)
1
: having malignant influence : baleful
2

Examples of malefic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are sinister undertones, but the enamored diners don’t realize they are caught in a malefic game of cat-and-mouse until the second course (raw diver scallop, pickled local seaweeds and algae). Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2022 Expect a touch of the supernatural, malefic colleagues and plenty of eccentricity. Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malefic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malefic was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near malefic

Cite this Entry

“Malefic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malefic. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!