PoliticsJuly 17, 2026
malfeasance
/mælˈfiːzəns/
Definition
Wrongful, illegal, or dishonest conduct by an official or person in a position of authority.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle French 'malfaisance', which combines 'mal' (bad/evil) and 'faisance' (the act of doing). It entered English in the 17th century specifically to describe the wrongdoing or misconduct of a public official.
In the news
In the article, the author argues that the mere availability of voter data online does not constitute malfeasance by foreign actors. It serves as a standard for determining whether the observed foreign activity was actually corrupt or criminal rather than just typical geopolitical posturing.
5 Takeaways From Trump’s Speech on Elections
Read the full article ↗Time Magazine