Definition of baleful

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< baleen whale

Balenciaga, Cristóbal >

bale·ful    (blfl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Portending evil; ominous. See Synonyms at sinister.
2. Harmful or malignant in intent or effect.

OTHER FORMS:
baleful·ly (Adverb), baleful·ness (Noun)
Usage Note:
Baleful and baneful overlap in meaning, but baleful usually applies to something that is menacing or foreshadows evil: a baleful look. Baneful most often describes that which is actually harmful or destructive: baneful effects of their foreign policy.

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