malicious etymology

Etymology:

The word "malicious" derives from the Latin "malus," meaning "evil" or "bad," and the suffix "-icious," which denotes a tendency or disposition towards something.

Meaning:

Malicious refers to an action or behavior that is intentionally designed to harm, injure, or cause distress to another person or entity. It implies a deliberate and malicious intent to inflict damage or suffering.

Origin:

The term "malicious" has been in use in the English language since the early 14th century. It was initially employed to describe acts of wickedness or moral wrongdoing. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass actions that were intentionally harmful or spiteful, regardless of their moral implications.

Examples:

  • Spreading malicious rumors about someone
  • Sabotaging a colleague's work
  • Committing acts of vandalism or destruction

Synonyms:

  • Malignant
  • Malevolent
  • Spiteful
  • Vindictive
  • Harmful
  • Intentional

Antonyms:

  • Benevolent
  • Kind
  • Compassionate
  • Thoughtful
  • Well-intentioned

Usage:

"Malicious" is commonly used in legal contexts, such as malicious prosecution or malicious intent, to describe actions that are not only harmful but also motivated by a desire to cause harm. It can also be applied to non-legal situations to describe behaviors that are characterized by spite, ill-will, or malicious intent.

malicious relate terms

  • malice

    Etymology Middle English malis malice lt Old French malice lt Latin malitia mali

  • maliciously

    Etymology The word maliciously originates from the Latin word malus meaning bad or

  • malicious

    Etymology The word malicious derives from the Latin malus meaning evil or bad

  • calumny

    Etymology Middle English calumnie from Old French calumnie from Latin calumnia from

  • eerie

    Etymology The word eerie is derived from the Middle English word eri which means fe

  • smirk

    Etymology The word smirk is derived from the Middle English word smirken which itse

  • challenge

    Etymology The word challenge derives from the Old French word chalenge which itself

  • amusement

    Etymology The word amusement is derived from the Latin word amusementum which liter

  • prepense

    Etymology Prefix pre Latin meaning before or in advance Stem pens Latin

  • frustration

    Etymology The word frustration derives from Latin frustrare meaning to deceive

  • perfection

    Etymology From Latin perfectionem state of being complete finished or flawless