Malevolence
/məˈlɛv.ə.ləns/noun
The state or condition of wishing evil or harm to others; ill will.
Did you know?The term 'malevolence' is tied to the Latin 'malevolens', literally meaning 'wishing bad', revealing a deep connection to human malice and dark intentions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
malevolens
“Wishing ill or harm to others.”
Middle English
Middle English
malevolence
“State of wishing evil or harm; ill will.”
Early Modern English
Early Modern English
malevolence
“The quality of having ill will; a term used in moral philosophy.”
Modern English
English
malevolence
“Desire to harm others; an established term in contemporary usage.”
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