noun
- the practice of causing harm or evil to others; wrongdoing
Usage: formal
Examples
- The villain’s maleficence knew no bounds as he plotted against innocent people.
- Medical ethics requires doctors to avoid maleficence and do no harm to patients.
- The court considered the defendant’s history of maleficence when determining the sentence.
- Her maleficence was evident in the way she deliberately spread false rumors.
- The principle of non-maleficence is fundamental to healthcare professions.
- Ancient myths often featured gods whose maleficence brought suffering to mortals.