Meaning & Definition
noun
Behavior that causes disobedience or trouble, often in a playful or harmless way.
The children were up to some mischief in the backyard, playing pranks on each other.
Harm or damage caused by a mischievous act.
The mischief done to the garden included broken flowers and overturned pots.
A tendency to cause trouble in a playful or harmless manner.
He had a reputation for mischief, always making jokes that led to laughter and chaos.
An act of mischief; a playful, harmless prank.
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.
Slang Meanings
No good.
That kid is always up to no good, causing mischief wherever he goes.
Troublemaker.
She's a real mischief; always stirring up trouble!