malevolence
[ muh-lev-uh-luhns ]
/ məˈlɛv ə ləns /
noun
the quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred.
Origin of malevolence
1425–75; < Latin
malevolentia (see
malevolent,
-ence); replacing late Middle English
malivolence < Middle French < Latin as above
SYNONYMS FOR malevolence
maliciousness,
spite,
spitefulness,
grudge,
venom.
Malevolence,
malignity,
rancor suggest the wishing of harm to others.
Malevolence is a smoldering ill will:
a vindictive malevolence in her expression.
Malignity is a deep-seated and virulent disposition to injure; it is more dangerous than
malevolence, because it is not only more completely concealed but it often instigates harmful acts:
The malignity of his nature was shocking.
Rancor is a lasting, corrosive, and implacable hatred and resentment.
Words nearby malevolence
malemute,
malenkov,
malentendu,
maleruption,
malevich,
malevolence,
malevolent,
malfeasance,
malformation,
malformed,
malfunction