What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Defamation vs Malign - What's the difference?

defamation | malign |

As a noun defamation

is act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.

As an adjective malign is

evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.

As a verb malign is

to make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.

defamation

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • Act of injuring another's reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.

    • Synonyms

    * slander * detraction * calumny * aspersion * See also

    Related terms

    * defame * defamatory

    malign

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.
  • * Francis Bacon
    • Witchcraft may be by operation of malign spirits.
  • malevolent.
  • * 1891 -
    • He was sure they [the stars] were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance.
  • (oncology) malignant
    • a malign ulcer
    (Francis Bacon)

    Related terms

    * malignant

    Antonyms

    * benign

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.
  • * South
    • To be envied and shot at; to be maligned standing, and to be despised falling.
  • (archaic) To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong.
  • * Spenser
    • The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Anagrams

    * * English transitive verbs