Meaning & Definition of word "Malice"

Malice

/ˈmælɪs/

1. The intention or desire to do evil or harm to others; ill will.
- Example: Her malice was evident when she spread rumors about her colleague.
2. The quality of being intentionally harmful or malevolent.
- Example: Malice behind his actions became clear when he sabotaged the project.
3. A desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another.
- Example: The court found that there was malice in the defendant's actions.

Middle English, from Old French 'malice' (meaning 'evil, wickedness'), from Latin 'malitia' (meaning 'badness, ill will').

malice aforethought:

Intent to kill or harm deliberately.

malice prepense:

Intentional planning to commit a harmful act.

with malice towards none:

To act without spite or particular ill feelings towards anyone.

malicious:

Characterized by malice; intending to do harm.

malevolent:

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

malign:

Evil in nature or effect; malevolent.

Meaning: To hold a grudge or spite against someone.

Example Sentence: She has some serious malice for that guy after what he did.

Meaning: To act out of spite or to get back at someone.

Example Sentence: He threw that drink on her with a lot of malice.