Maleficent
/məˈlɛfɪsənt/noun
A fictional character known as the dark fairy in Disney's adaptation of Sleeping Beauty.
Did you know?The name Maleficent is derived from the Latin 'maleficentem', meaning 'doing evil', and has roots in the word for 'malice' — a powerful reminder of the dark magic associated with her character.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
maleficentem
“one who does evil, an evil-doer.”
Late Middle English
Middle English
malefic
“pertaining to or causing harm; often used in the context of magic.”
19th Century
English
malefic
“related to evil or harm, especially in supernatural contexts.”
20th Century
English
Maleficent
“the name given to the character in Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty', embodying malevolence and dark magic.”
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