mischief

[ mis-chif ]

noun

1. conduct or activity that playfully causes petty annoyance.
2. a tendency or disposition to tease, vex, or annoy.
3. a vexatious or annoying action.
4. harm or trouble, especially as a result of an agent or cause.

   Synonyms: hurt

5. an injury or evil caused by a person or other agent or cause.
6. a cause or source of harm, evil, or annoyance.
7. the devil.

mischief

/ ˈmɪstʃɪf /

noun

1. wayward but not malicious behaviour, usually of children, that causes trouble, irritation, etc
2. a playful inclination to behave in this way or to tease or disturb
3. injury or harm caused by a person or thing
4. a person, esp a child, who is mischievous
5. a source of trouble, difficulty, etc

   floods are a great mischief to the farmer

Word History and Origins

Origin of mischief¹

1250–1300; Middle English meschef < Old French, noun derivative of meschever to end badly, come to grief. See mis- ¹, achieve

Word History and Origins

Origin of mischief¹

C13: from Old French meschief disaster, from meschever to meet with calamity; from mes- mis- ¹+ chever to reach an end, from chef end, chief

Idioms and Phrases

see make mischief .

Synonym Study

See damage.

Example Sentences

There is, however, plenty of precedence for Russian "mischief" in U.S. elections, particularly in crucial battleground states like Georgia.

From Salon

His platoon commander said his admiration for Fuslilier Wilkes' wit, mischief and cheeky nature, which "made his life difficult", also made him hard to discipline.

From BBC

Potential charges for a suspect include illegal acts related to vote counting, possession or manufacturing of a destructive device, illegal criminal mischief and reckless burning, among others.

From Los Angeles Times

In a tribute, heartbroken parents Leigha and James described him as "loving, kind and full of mischief".

From BBC

I dread the mischief every day, including expectations that some red states will refuse to certify the election results, and the Supreme Court giving Trump the election without hesitation, making him above the law.

From Salon

Related Words

• catastrophe
• evil
• misconduct
• playfulness
• prank
• sabotage
• vandalism
• wrongdoing