Malevolent is an adjective meaning having or showing a wish to do evil to others; it describes thoughts, actions, or motives that are intentionally harmful. In usage, it often characterizes an ill intent or harmful influence, sometimes personified as a malevolent force. Note: although historically used as a noun in rare, archaic senses, in modern usage it functions predominantly as an adjective or, less commonly, as a noun in literary contexts.
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