mischief

American  

[mis-chif] / ˈmɪs tʃɪf /

noun

1. conduct or activity that playfully causes petty annoyance.

2. a tendency or disposition to tease, vex, or annoy.

3. a vexatious or annoying action.

4. harm or trouble, especially as a result of an agent or cause.

   Synonyms:

   hurt

5. an injury or evil caused by a person or other agent or cause.

6. a cause or source of harm, evil, or annoyance.

7. the devil.

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mischief British  

/ ˈmɪstʃɪf /

noun

1. wayward but not malicious behaviour, usually of children, that causes trouble, irritation, etc

2. a playful inclination to behave in this way or to tease or disturb

3. injury or harm caused by a person or thing

4. a person, esp a child, who is mischievous

5. a source of trouble, difficulty, etc

   floods are a great mischief to the farmer

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mischief Idioms  

1. see make mischief.

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Related Words

See damage.

Etymology

Origin of mischief

1250–1300; Middle English meschef < Old French, noun derivative of meschever to end badly, come to grief. See mis- ¹, achieve

Explanation

People who pull pranks, make jokes, and do things that annoy other people — but aren't really awful — are good at mischief. Mischief is a word for things that are a little bad or reckless but ultimately harmless. Hitting someone with a spitball is mischief. Hitting them with a rock is dangerous and therefore much worse than mischief. Making mischief can be fun, as long as it doesn't get out of hand. People who do a lot of mischief are called "mischievous."

Example Sentences

Still, Ms. Worsley—the history detective with the fabulous shoes—has always had a bit of mischief about her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Rob Glenny, from Beano, said the coin captures Dennis' "mischief", saying it is a "brilliant way to mark 75 years of laughs, pranks and unleashed imagination".

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

“We see potential for seasonal-adjustment mischief in the January data,” said Richard Moody, chief U.S. economist at Regions Financial.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 8, 2026

The worst that befell most of those duped by New Year’s Eve AI-generated mischief was a little discomfort, embarrassment and wasted time.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2026

“Yes, please, but I never will again,” and he went down upon his knees, with a penitent clasping of hands, and a face full of mischief, mirth, and triumph.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• catastrophe
• evil
• misconduct
• playfulness
• prank
• sabotage
• vandalism
• wrongdoing