Malign

Verb

Definition: To speak harmful untruths about someone or something.

Synonyms: Defame, Slander, Libel, Disparage

Antonyms: Praise, Commend, Extol

Examples:

She maliciously maligned her former colleague in an attempt to ruin her reputation.
The newspaper article maligned the politician, spreading false accusations about his personal life.

Mnemonics:

Remember "ma-ALIGN" - when you malign someone, you are trying to align others against them by spreading harmful lies.

Adjective

Definition: Evil in nature or effect; malevolent.

Synonyms: Malicious, Malevolent, Harmful

Antonyms: Benevolent, Kind, Compassionate

Examples:

The villain's malign intentions were evident throughout the movie.
The malign influence of negative peer pressure can have lasting effects on young individuals.

Mnemonics:

Think of the word "malicious" - both malicious and malign contain "mal" which indicates harm or evil intentions.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'maligned', from Old French 'maligner', from Late Latin 'malignare', from Latin 'mal-, male' (meaning bad)

Historical Usage:

The word 'malign' has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in the context of speaking harmful untruths about someone or something.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Malignant tumor"

Explanation:

A tumor that is cancerous and has the potential to cause harm or spread to other parts of the body.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'malign' with 'demean' or 'criticize'.

Explanation:

While 'malign' does involve speaking negatively about someone, it also implies the intention of spreading harmful untruths. Therefore, it goes beyond mere criticism or demeaning comments.