Meaning & Definition of Mischief in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Behavior that causes harm or damage to someone or something.

  Example Sentence: The children were always getting into mischief, breaking things around the house.

• Definition: Playful misbehavior or troublemaking.

  Example Sentence: His mischief in school often earned him a trip to the principal's office.

• Definition: A tendency to engage in playful or teasing behavior.

  Example Sentence: Her laughter was a sign of the mischief brewing in her mind.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Old French meschief, meaning 'bad fate, ill fortune'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: maldad

• French: espièglerie

• German: Unfug

• Russian: пакость

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!