Definition of malevolence

< Malevich, Kasimir

malevolent >

ma·lev·o·lence    (m-lv-lns) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The quality or state of being malevolent.
2. Malicious behavior.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French malivolence, from Latin malevolentia, from malevolns, malevolent-, malevolent : male, badly; see mel-³ in Indo-European roots + volns, present participle of velle, to want; see wel-¹ in Indo-European roots