maleficence etymology

Etymology:

  • The word "maleficence" is derived from the Latin word "maleficentia," which means "doing harm" or "wickedness."
  • "Maleficentia" is composed of two roots:
    • "Malus," meaning "bad" or "evil"
    • "-ficentia," a suffix meaning "the state or quality of doing something"

Meaning:

Maleficence refers to the intentional or reckless infliction of harm, evil, or injury upon another person. It is the opposite of beneficence, which means doing good.

Origin:

The concept of maleficence has been recognized throughout history in various cultures and legal systems. It is often associated with:

  • Intentional acts of violence or cruelty
  • Acts of omission that result in harm or injury
  • Failure to prevent harm or injury that could reasonably be prevented
  • Negligence or recklessness that leads to harm
  • Deliberate deception or manipulation that causes harm

In medical ethics, the principle of non-maleficence is a fundamental ethical obligation for healthcare professionals to avoid harming patients. It is considered a primary duty of medical professionals to protect and preserve the well-being of those under their care.

maleficence relate terms

  • malefic

    Etymology The word malefic comes from the Latin words malus meaning evil and fa

  • beneficence

    Etymology The word beneficence comes from the Latin words bene good and facere

  • beneficence

    Etymology The word beneficence comes from the Latin words bene good and facere

  • mischief

    Etymology The word mischief comes from the Old French word meschief which is derived

  • malignity

    Etymology Latin malignus meaning malicious harmful evil Proto Indo European

  • veil

    Etymology The word veil derives from the Old French word veile which in turn comes f

  • vile

    Etymology The word vile derives from the Latin word vilis meaning worthless chea

  • evil

    Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

  • live

    Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de

  • malevolence

    Etymology The word malevolence derives from the Latin term malevolentia which is a c

  • help

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words and phrases It inves