malevolence

Malevolence is defined as the practice of wishing evil on others.

(noun)

Being motivated by a desire for creating evil or ill will is an example of malevolence.

See malevolence in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the quality or state of being malevolent; malice; spitefulness; ill will

Origin: ME malyvolence < OFr malivolence < L malevolentia

See malevolence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French malivolence

Origin: , from Latin malevolentia

Origin: , from malevolēns, malevolent-, malevolent

Origin: : male, badly; see mel-³ in Indo-European roots

Origin: + volēns

Origin: , present participle of velle, to want; see wel-¹ in Indo-European roots

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