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Definition of baleful

baleful

/ˈbeɪl.fəl/
bale · ful
Adverb:balefully
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baleful Lexical Profile

baleful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Threatening harm; menacing or portending evil.

Example

"The stray dog gave the approaching stranger a baleful glare from behind the fence."

2

Having a harmful or destructive effect; pernicious.

Example

"Historians have long debated the baleful influence of prolonged economic sanctions on civilian populations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for baleful

• Nearby Words

baldness
baldy
bale
baleful
baler
balinese
balk

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'bealuful', formed from 'bealu' (meaning evil, harm, or calamity) and the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Baleful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/baleful
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