Malice

/ˈmælɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The intention or desire to do evil or harm to others; ill will.

Her malice was evident when she spread rumors about her colleague.

The quality of being intentionally harmful or malevolent.

Malice behind his actions became clear when he sabotaged the project.

A desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another.

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.

To hold a grudge or spite against someone.

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

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

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