noun
malice
MAL-is/ˈmælɪs/
A desire or willingness to cause harm.
The person acts with malice by secretly cutting the rival's kite string.
Etymology
Latin malitia covered badness as well as spite. The English sense focuses that broader idea on active ill will toward another person: wanting to cause injury or suffering.
In context
unlike crimes they imply no malice toward others and no interference with their persons or property
More examples
- There is no malice in his teasing.
- His malice toward his former boss drives him to sabotage her work.
- The messages reveal a level of malice that frightens her.
Forms
malicious adjective — Wanting or intending to cause harm.
Similar words
- spite
- Spite usually involves petty resentment and a wish to hurt.
- malevolence
- Malevolence suggests deep or lasting ill will toward others.