Words / C2

BAYLFL/ˈbeɪlfl/

A baleful look threatens harm: a baleful stare, baleful influence. Baneful is a rarer cousin meaning harmful. Malevolent is about wishing ill; baleful is the look or atmosphere of threat. Do not confuse with bashful (shy).

Meaning

Threatening harm, of a look or presence (literary).

Examples

• “He gave the latecomer a baleful look.”
• “The dog fixed a baleful eye on the postman.”
• “A baleful silence followed the accusation.”

Good to know

a baleful look/stare. Mix-up: bashful (shy). Harmful cousin: baneful.

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