Can You Malign Someone?
If You Malign Someone, You Badmouth Them — Just Like the Jilted Girlfriend Who Tells the Whole School Her Ex Has Bad Breath and Head Lice. When You Habitually...
If you malign someone, you badmouth them — just like the jilted girlfriend who tells the whole school her ex has bad breath and head lice. When you habitually malign people, you risk being described as "a malign influence" — in this case, malign is an adjective that describes a harmful or even evil person or thing.
What does it mean to malign someone?
malign. verb. English Language Learners Definition of malign (Entry 2 of 2) : to say bad things about (someone or something) publicly : to criticize (someone or something) harshly or unfairly.
How do you use the word malign as a verb?
- transitive verb. If you malign someone, you say unpleasant and untrue things about them. [formal] We maligned him dreadfully when you come to think of it. ...
- adjective [ADJ n] If something is malign, it causes harm. [formal] ...the malign influence jealousy had on their lives. ...
- See also much-maligned.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
