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

He stripped Krebs of his security clearance, and in an act of sheer, gratuitous malice, he did the same to the people Krebs works with at his security firm.

From Salon

Trump's actual reasons for imposing tariffs are a combination of off-the-charts stupidity and malice.

From Salon

He acted "from impulse, not malice", James Dwyer SC told the court.

From BBC

The "hobbling" scene—she uses a sledgehammer to break Paul’s ankles—elevated her to canonical b***h status: a cunning, brutal and mercurial harridan who hides her malice behind a folksy façade.

From Salon

"This was no malice, this was her trying to do what's right, and get to school on time."

From BBC

Related Words

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