malevolent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
    • a gossipy malevolent old woman
    • failure made him malevolent toward those who were successful
  2. adjective satellite having or exerting a malignant influence
    malign; malefic; evil.
    • malevolent stars
    • a malefic force

WordNet

Ma*lev"o*lent adjective
Etymology
L. malevolens, -entis; male ill + volens, p. pr. of velle to be willing or disposed, to wish. See Malice, and Voluntary.
Definitions
  1. Wishing evil; disposed to injure others; rejoicing in another's misfortune. Syn. -- Ill-disposed; envious; mischievous; evil-minded; spiteful; malicious; malignant; rancorous.

Webster 1913