Today's Word

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.

Previous Words

Abrogate

Today's Word

Abrogate

AB-ruh-gayt

Definition

(verb) To abolish, repeal, or put an end to something (especially a law, policy, or agreement).

Example

The committee voted to abrogate the outdated regulation, clearing the way for more modern standards.

Word Origin

From Latin abrogare, meaning “to repeal” or “to take away by law.”

Fun Fact

The word abrogate often appears in legal, political, and diplomatic contexts because it refers to formal or authoritative cancellation—not just casual discontinuing. Interestingly, some treaties have been “abrogated by conduct,” meaning nations effectively ended them simply by acting differently rather than announcing a repeal. The term highlights how powerful the act of unmaking a rule can be—sometimes as impactful as creating one.

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Baleful

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Previous Words

Abrogate

Abrogate

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Abrogate

Foment

Somatic

Altruistic

Verve