maleficium

/mælɪˈfɪʃɪəm/

Definitions

1. noun

Evil or wicked magic, especially in Roman law.

“The medieval inquisitors believed that the accused was guilty of maleficium due to her alleged involvement in witchcraft.”

2. noun

An act of evil or wicked magic, especially in Roman law.

“The historian documented numerous cases of maleficium committed by accused witches in the 16th century.”

Synonyms

  • malefic
  • malevolence
  • malignancy

Antonyms

  • benevolence
  • blessing