- Today's Word
Baleful
Baleful
BAYL-full
Definition
(adjective) Threatening harm or expressing hostility; ominous in tone or intent.
Example
The villain gave a baleful glare that silenced the entire room.
Word Origin
Old English bealufull, from bealu meaning “evil” or “harm.”
Fun Fact
Baleful shows up a lot in literature, especially when describing dark atmospheres or intense characters. It can describe looks, gestures, or environments that signal danger before it strikes. A baleful sky? Storm’s coming. A baleful glance? You’re on thin ice. It’s a great word for when something feels wrong—even if nothing’s happened yet.