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

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

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

From New York Times

Chilcott had an extensive history of arrests for misdemeanor offenses, including resisting arrest and malicious mischief, but no felony convictions and no history of violent crime.

From Seattle Times

Court records do not yet indicate which attorney is representing Mohamed in the malicious mischief case.

From Seattle Times