malicious mischief

American  

noun

1. willful destruction of personal property motivated by ill will or resentment toward its owner or possessor.

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Etymology

Origin of malicious mischief

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Milne, who is white, also was charged with first-degree malicious mischief for causing more than $100,000 worth of property damage, charging papers say.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2023

Resources that should be devoted to ensuring the smooth execution of November’s balloting are instead being diverted to respond to malicious mischief.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2022

The police have also accused Sherman of malicious mischief because, they said, he damaged the door of the home.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2021

Both men also face charges of malicious mischief.

From Washington Times • Jul. 13, 2015

The message was written in ill temper or as a piece of malicious mischief.

From The Blue Wall A Story of Strangeness and Struggle by Child, Richard Washburn