malice

[ mal-is ]

noun

1. desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness:

   the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.

   Synonyms: bitterness, spitefulness, rancor, hatred, hate, venom, malevolence, enmity, animosity, spite, ill will

   Antonyms: goodwill, benevolence

2. Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.

malice

/ ˈmælɪs /

noun

1. the desire to do harm or mischief
2. evil intent
3. law the state of mind with which an act is committed and from which the intent to do wrong may be inferred See also malice aforethought

Word History and Origins

Origin of malice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin malitia; equivalent to mal- + -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of malice¹

C13: via Old French from Latin malitia, from malus evil

Synonym Study

See grudge.

Example Sentences

A judge has said a former government operative has shown evidence of malice in a 2021 report on organizations that took payments to help Afghans evacuate during U.S. military’s exit.

From Los Angeles Times

A Florida appeals court ruled in June that there was enough evidence of negligence and actual malice by CNN to allow Young to seek punitive damages from the network.

From Los Angeles Times

Pena acted with malice, ruled the judge, who said the other guards did not engage in wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump and his regime also engaged in acts of structural and institutional violence against the American people through willful negligence and outright malice.

From Salon

I don’t think it comes out of malice.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animosity
• animus
• antipathy
• bitterness
• enmity
• grudge
• hate
• hatred
• hostility
• ill will
• meanness
• rancor
• resentment
• vengefulness