maleficence

noun ma·lef·i·cence \mə-ˈle-fə-sən(t)s\

Definition of MALEFICENCE

a : the act of committing harm or evil

b : a harmful or evil act

: the quality or state of being maleficent

Italian maleficenza, from Latin maleficentia, from maleficus

First Known Use: 1598

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