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Malevolence

/məˈlɛvələns/noun
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Malevolence is the deep-seated desire to cause harm or evil to others, often marked by intense ill will and deliberate malice. Beyond mere anger, it implies a calculated intent that can fuel conflicts in personal relationships or societal issues, making it a popular trope in storytelling and psychological analysis. In today's world, it's frequently discussed in contexts like online trolling or corporate sabotage, highlighting how everyday actions can mask underlying hostility.

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In psychological studies, malevolence is a core element of the 'Dark Triad' personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—which are estimated to affect around 10-20% of people in certain populations, as researched by psychologist Del Paulhus in the early 2000s. This connection has led to real-world applications, like improving workplace screening to identify potentially harmful behaviors and reduce incidents of bullying or fraud.

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Oxford English DictionaryMerriam-Webster DictionaryEtymonlineAPA Dictionary of Psychology

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