malice
Americannoun
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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
-
Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.
noun
-
the desire to do harm or mischief
-
evil intent
-
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
Related Words
See grudge.
Etymology
Origin of malice
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin malitia; equivalent to mal- + -ice
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When Mike makes an unexpected pass at her, Marge responds with grace, not malice.
From Salon
Christopher had expected the sea around the island to be wild, perhaps with ten-foot waves or some other ferocious way of holding people within, but the sea was only the sea: restless, gray, without malice.
From Literature
But she said there were risks too, with the possibility groups could accidentally target individuals "whose behaviour is rooted in vulnerability rather than malice".
From BBC
Osbourne previously said the comment was "made out of frustration at the circumstances, which I'm sure many will understand, rather than malice."
From BBC
Prosecutors could not prove malice in the case.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
