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Malign vs Hostile - What's the difference?

malign | hostile |

As adjectives the difference between malign and hostile

is that malign is evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence while hostile is belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly.

As a verb malign

is to make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.

As a noun hostile is

(chiefly|in the plural) an enemy.

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)

    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

    hostile

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Belonging or appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence, or a desire to thwart and injure; occupied by an enemy or enemies; inimical; unfriendly
  • a hostile force
    hostile intentions
    a hostile country
    hostile to a sudden change

    Synonyms

    * antagonistic * hateful

    Antonyms

    * friendly

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (chiefly, in the plural) An enemy.
  • Anagrams

    * * ----