malear

Senses

1. 1.

   to spoil; to ruin

   to damage or make something worse

2. 2.

   to corrupt; to lead astray

   to morally degrade or influence negatively

3. 3.

   to harm; to injure

   to cause physical or psychological damage

Examples

• "No debes malear a los niños con tanto dinero."

  You shouldn't spoil the children with so much money.

• "El ambiente corrupto maleó su carácter."

  The corrupt environment corrupted his character.

• "El aire salino puede malear los metales."

  Salty air can damage metals.

Usage

Primarily used in Spanish America and less common in Spain. Often found in the phrase "malear a alguien" (to corrupt/spoil someone). The word carries connotations of moral or character damage, though it can also apply to material deterioration.