Dictionary entries for 'baleful'

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Synonyms

malign
sinister

bale·ful (bāĺfəl)

adjective

Portending evil; ominous. See synonyms at sinister
Harmful or malignant in intent or effect.

derivatives

baléful·ly: adverb
baléful·ness: noun

usage note

Usage Note: Baleful and baneful overlap in meaning, but baleful usually applies to something that is menacing or foreshadows evil: a baleful look. Baneful most often describes that which is actually harmful or destructive: baneful effects of their foreign policy.

adjective

derivatives

usage note

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition