What is the meaning of the word malign?

The word "malign" means to speak harmful or evil about someone, often with the intent of causing damage to their reputation. In this context, the correct answer, which is "harm," aligns perfectly with the definition of malign, as it conveys the idea of causing injury or damage to someone, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of reputation. The usage of "malign" typically implies that there is a deliberate effort to tarnish someone's image or to hurt them in some way.

The other choices do not fit the definition of the word. "Submit" suggests yielding or giving way, "improve" indicates making something better, and "conceive" refers to the act of forming or creating an idea or plan. None of these terms convey the aspect of harming or intending harm that is central to the meaning of "malign."