What does baleful mean?

"Baleful" means threatening harm or evil; menacing. It suggests a sinister or ominous quality, like a look that could cause fear or dread.

Here are some synonyms for "baleful":

* Threatening

* Menacing

* Sinister

* Ominous

* Harmful

* Malevolent

Examples:

* "The old house had a baleful aura, as if something terrible had happened there."

* "The general's baleful glare sent a shiver down the soldiers' spines."

* "The villain's baleful laughter echoed through the empty castle."

It's important to note that "baleful" often carries a connotation of evil intent, rather than simply being harmful by accident.