First Known Use: circa 1545
Dictionary
malignant
adjective ma·lig·nant \mə-ˈlig-nənt\
medical : very serious and dangerous : tending or likely to grow and spread in a rapid and uncontrolled way that can cause death
: very evil
Full Definition of MALIGNANT
1
a obsolete : malcontent, disaffected b : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious c : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious
2
: tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria>; especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <a malignant tumor>
— ma·lig·nant·ly adverb
See malignant defined for English-language learners
See malignant defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MALIGNANT
Late Latin malignant-, malignans, present participle of malignari
Related to MALIGNANT
- Synonyms
- bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, hateful, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent
- Antonyms
- benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
MALIGNANT Defined for Kids
malignant
adjective ma·lig·nant \mə-ˈlig-nənt\
Definition of MALIGNANT for Kids
1
Medical Dictionary
malignant
adjective ma·lig·nant \mə-ˈlig-nənt\
Medical Definition of MALIGNANT
1
: tending to produce death or deterioration <malignant malaria>; especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally <malignant tumors>—compare benign 1
2
: of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment <psychotic reactions with a malignant trend>
Learn More About MALIGNANT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: malignant catarrhPrevious Word in the Dictionary: malignancyAll Words Near: malignant
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up malignant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).