Meaning & Definition of word "Malice"
Malice
/ˈmælɪs/
noun:
- 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.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'malice' (meaning 'evil, wickedness'), from Latin 'malitia' (meaning 'badness, ill will').
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of malice
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.