malicious mischief

American  

Also criminal mischief

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

See Examples For:

malicious mischief

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

Officers arrested a 15-year-old Washougal boy and an 18-year-old man, also from Washougal, on suspicion of commercial burglary, theft and malicious mischief, according to the Camas Police Department.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 29, 2021

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

Grey was quick to understand the malicious mischief which underlay this formal curtsey and danced in the girl's eyes, and even fancied it shared by the animal itself.

From From Sand Hill to Pine by Bret Harte