malign

Etymology

From Middle English maligne, from Old French maligne, from Latin malignus, from malus (“bad”) + genus (“sort, kind”). Compare benign.

adj

1. Evil or malignant in disposition, nature, intent or influence.
2. Malevolent.
   He was sure they [the stars] were arranged in some order which had a secret and malign significance. 1891, Ambrose Bierce, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
3. (oncology) Malignant.
   a malign ulcer

verb

1. (transitive) To make defamatory statements about; to slander or traduce.
   The obvious joy of England's players and supporters after that dramatic finale was another indicator that the Uefa Nations League, mocked and maligned at its inception, is capturing the public's imagination. November 18, 2018, Phil McNulty, “England 2 - 1 Croatia”, in BBC Sport
2. (transitive, archaic) To treat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong.