ma·lev·o·lence \məˈlevələn(t)s\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French malivolence, from Latin malivolentia, malevolentia, from malivolent-, malivolens, malevolent-, malevolens malevolent + -ia -y 1.: the quality or state of being malevolent < slander that arose from pure malevolence > 2.: behavior marked by or indicative of intense often vicious ill will < an era full of selfishness and malevolence > Synonyms:see malice