formal
1
: threatening harm or evil
He turned and gave us a baleful [=sinister] glance/glare/look.
2
: harmful or deadly
the baleful effects/consequences of water pollution
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“Baleful.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/baleful. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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