malice

[mal-is]

noun

1. desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness.

   the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.

   Synonyms: rancor, bitterness, hatred, hate, venom, malevolence, enmity, animosity, spitefulness, spite, ill will
   Antonyms: goodwill, benevolence

2. Law.,  evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.

malice

/ ˈmælɪs /

noun

1. the desire to do harm or mischief

2. evil intent

3. law the state of mind with which an act is committed and from which the intent to do wrong may be inferred See also malice aforethought

Word History and Origins

Origin of malice¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin malitia; equivalent to mal- + -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of malice¹

C13: via Old French from Latin malitia, from malus evil

Synonym Study

See grudge.

Example Sentences

In American defamation cases against public figures, plaintiffs are required to prove "actual malice" - that the defendant knowingly spread false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

From BBC

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

The jury in the case found the internet search giant liable to two of three claims of privacy violations but said the firm had not acted with malice.

From BBC

The parents have been charged with one count each of murder with malice.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe this explains the creator’s choice to make the towering media malpractice that cemented Knox’s infamy a minor character as opposed to the acid geyser etching her supposed malice into our collective memory.

From Salon

Related Words

• animosity 
• animus 
• antipathy 
• bitterness 
• enmity 
• grudge 
• hate 
• hatred 
• hostility 
• ill will 
• meanness 
• rancor 
• resentment 
• vengefulness www.thesaurus.com