Malign
mediummuh-LYN
verb/adjective
Definition
To speak about someone in a harmful or untruthful way; evil in nature
Examples
“Competitors maligned his reputation with false accusations.”
“The malign influence of the dictator spread throughout the region.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Malign is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "slander" or "defame" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "praise".
Related GRE Words
vilify
To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
denigrate
To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle
revile
To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
censure
To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement
denounce
To publicly declare to be wrong or evil; condemn
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
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