Word of the Day – Maleficium

Maleficium (noun)

mal-eh-fik-ee-um

An act of witchcraft performed with the intention of causing damage or injury; the resultant harm/ A poison or potion, especially used in witchcraft.

Early 17th century; earliest use found in George Abbot (1562–1633), archbishop of Canterbury. From classical Latin maleficium evil deed, injury, sorcery from maleficus + -ium.

Example sentences

“What’s wrong with him? It’s like some terrible maleficium has taken hold!”