Meaning & Definition of word "Mischief"
Mischief
/ˈmɪs.tʃɪf/
noun:
- 1. Behavior that causes disobedience or trouble, often in a playful or harmless way.
- Example: The children were up to some mischief in the backyard, playing pranks on each other.
- 2. Harm or damage caused by a mischievous act.
- Example: The mischief done to the garden included broken flowers and overturned pots.
- 3. A tendency to cause trouble in a playful or harmless manner.
- Example: He had a reputation for mischief, always making jokes that led to laughter and chaos.
- 4. An act of mischief; a playful, harmless prank.
- Example: The prank was just harmless mischief that ended in laughter for everyone involved.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French meschief, meaning 'bad fate, ill fortune'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a bit of mischief:
Slightly troublesome or playful behavior.
mischief maker:
A person who causes trouble or instigates disorder.
innocent mischief:
Playful behavior that is not intended to cause real harm.
Related Words
mischievous:
Tending to make minor mischief; playful in a troublesome way.
prank:
A practical joke or mischief intended to tease or embarrass someone.
impish:
Playfully naughty or mischievous.
Slang Meanings of mischief
Meaning: No good.
● Example Sentence: That kid is always up to no good, causing mischief wherever he goes.
Meaning: Troublemaker.
● Example Sentence: She's a real mischief; always stirring up trouble!