What does malefic mean?
Malefic is a formal adjective meaning harmful, malevolent, or destructive. It can describe an influence, force, power, intention, or activity whose effects are harmful, and it sometimes carries an atmosphere of secrecy, darkness, or deliberate evil. Although not restricted to supernatural contexts, the word is especially evocative when describing sinister spells, supernatural forces, or threatening powers. Its tone is more literary and dramatic than that of the ordinary word harmful, so it appears mainly in formal writing, rhetoric, and descriptions intended to create a forbidding effect. Malefic is most common in North American English; British speakers generally encounter alternatives such as malevolent, malign, or harmful more often. The adjective also has the adverb form malefically, though that form is much less common.
adjectiveHarmful, malevolent, or intended to cause harm. The word is often used in formal or literary contexts.
- Harmful, malevolent, or destructive in effect or intention.
"The malefic influence of fear gradually spread through the village."
"The ancient forest was said to be protected by a malefic enchantment."
"Fear of malefic propaganda shaped public opinion during the campaign."
From Latin maleficus, the word literally meant “one who does harm,” joining the idea of evil with the act of doing it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malefic come from?
The word comes from Latin maleficus, a compound formed from malus, meaning “bad” or “evil,” and facere, meaning “to do.” It originally described a person or thing that did harm. English borrowed the adjective in the 16th century, and its modern use continues the older sense of something injurious or malevolent. Related English words include malefactor, maleficence, malevolent, and malignant.
Related word forms
How malefic is actually used
Malefic has a formal, archaic, or literary tone. It is chiefly used in North American English, while British usage more often prefers words such as malevolent, malign, or harmful.
Easily confused with malefic
Malefic is chiefly an adjective describing something harmful or ill-intentioned, while malevolent can function as either an adjective or a noun and more directly characterizes a hostile intention or disposition.
Malign often implies deliberate hostility or verbal hostility, whereas malefic more broadly denotes any harmful or destructive influence.