malign

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ma·lign / məˈlīn/ • adj. evil in nature or effect; malevolent: she had a strong and malign influence. ∎ archaic (of a disease) malignant.• v. [tr.] speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner: don't you dare malign her in my presence.DERIVATIVES: ma·lign·er n.ma·lig·ni·ty / -ˈlignətē/ n.ma·lign·ly adv.

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