malevolent

Malevolent is an adjective describing someone or something that wishes to cause harm or injury to others, reflecting ill will or a deliberate intent to do wrong. It suggests more than wrongdoing; it implies a conscious motive to inflict harm or misfortune.

Etymology and related forms: the word comes from Latin malus meaning bad and velle meaning to wish, entering English in the early modern period via French or directly from Latin. Related forms include malevolence (noun) and malevolently (adverb). Its common antonyms are benevolent and benign, which denote goodwill or protective intent.

Usage and nuance: malevolent is often used to characterize people, spirits, intentions, or forces that actively seek harm. It is distinct from evil in that it emphasizes intent rather than a blanket moral category, and it is distinct from accidental harm. In literature and media, malevolent characters or forces are portrayed as adversaries driven by harmful goals, sometimes with distinctive features such as a menacing manner or a cruel motive.

In analysis and psychology, malevolence is discussed as a moral attitude or trait in relation to antisocial behavior or psychopathy, though it is not a clinical diagnosis on its own. The term remains a descriptive label for intentional malice in actions, expressions, or influences, rather than an evaluation of all-encompassing moral character.

See also: malevolence, benevolence.