Maleficence meaning

Maleficence refers to the intentional harm or wrongdoing towards another person.


Maleficence definitions

Word backwards ecnecifelam
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ma-lef-i-cence
Plural The plural of the word maleficence is maleficences.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) a,e,i
Consonants (5) m,l,f,c,n

Maleficence, often referred to as malevolence, is a concept in ethics that refers to the act of doing harm or causing evil to others. It is the opposite of beneficence, which is the ethical principle of doing good or promoting well-being. Maleficence is commonly used in the context of healthcare ethics to describe actions or decisions that result in harm or suffering to patients.

Definition of Maleficence

Maleficence is a term that is often used in medical ethics to describe the intentional harm or injury caused to a patient by a healthcare professional. This can include actions such as providing unnecessary or harmful treatments, performing procedures without informed consent, or failing to disclose important information to the patient.

Examples of Maleficence in Healthcare

One example of maleficence in healthcare is when a doctor prescribes a medication that they know will harm the patient, either due to negligence or malicious intent. Another example is when a surgeon performs a procedure that is not medically necessary, putting the patient at risk of harm without their knowledge or consent.

Impact of Maleficence

The impact of maleficence in healthcare can be significant, resulting in physical harm, emotional distress, and loss of trust between the patient and healthcare provider. Patients who experience maleficence may also suffer from financial burdens due to unnecessary medical expenses or prolonged treatment.

Preventing Maleficence

Healthcare professionals can prevent maleficence by adhering to ethical principles and guidelines, obtaining informed consent from patients before any treatment or procedure, practicing empathy and compassion in patient care, and maintaining open and honest communication with patients at all times.

Maleficence is a serious ethical issue that can have detrimental effects on patients and their well-being. It is important for healthcare providers to prioritize beneficence and ensure that their actions do not cause harm or suffering to those under their care.

By upholding ethical standards and promoting patient-centered care, healthcare professionals can work towards preventing maleficence and promoting the overall health and safety of their patients.


Maleficence Examples

  1. The maleficence of the witch's curse caused chaos in the kingdom.
  2. The maleficence of the hacker led to a data breach in the company.
  3. The maleficence of the villain was evident in his cruel actions.
  4. The maleficence of the dark wizard was feared throughout the land.
  5. The maleficence of the toxic relationship had a negative impact on her well-being.
  6. The maleficence of the con artist left many people deceived and defrauded.
  7. The maleficence of the corrupt politician was exposed during the investigation.
  8. The maleficence of the virus quickly spread throughout the population.
  9. The maleficence of the haunted house sent shivers down her spine.
  10. The maleficence of the curse caused the princess to fall into a deep sleep.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 16:17:26