Will Self

The main differences between contemporary English and American literature is that the baleful pseudo-professionalism imparted by all those crap M.F.A. writing programs has yet to settle like a miasma of standardization on the English literary scene. But it's beginning to happen.

English Author

Charles Kennedy

We all accept the world would be safer without Saddam's baleful dictatorship.

British Politician

Baleful often describes an intense negative feeling that a person or environment can project.

Negative Aura

'Baleful' sometimes implies a supernatural source of evil or malevolence.

Supernatural Overtone

The word can express strong disapproval or dislike for someone or something.

Strong Disapproval

 Ah, bitter blow! Ah, wicked, cruel fate! Ah, baleful stars!