# malice

/ˈmæɫəs/ (US) · /mˈælɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malice
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the wish to hurt or upset someone on purpose. You use this when someone does something bad because they want to be mean, not by mistake.

For teachers: the intention or desire to cause harm, pain, or distress to another person. In legal contexts, it refers to the state of mind required for certain crimes, indicating a conscious intent to do wrong.

## Examples

- He did not act out of malice.
- The judge ruled that the defendant acted with malice, as he had planned the attack weeks in advance.
- While the criticism was harsh, it appeared to be born of genuine concern for the project's success rather than any personal malice toward the lead architect.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows the preposition 'with' or 'out of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.