malice

noun
UK: /ˈmælɪs/
US: /ˈmælɪs/

  1. The intention or desire to do evil; ill will or spite.

    1. His eyes glinted with pure malice.
    2. The article was written with obvious malice towards the government officials.

  2. In law, the state of mind that accompanies the intention to do a wrongful act.

    1. The prosecution had to prove malice to secure a murder conviction.
    2. The judge explained that legal malice doesn't necessarily require personal hatred, but implies a deliberate disregard for consequences.

Synonyms

spite ill will malevolence rancor animus enmity venom malignity

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "malice" in English means: The intention or desire to do evil; ill will or spite., In law, the state of mind that accompanies the intention to do a wrongful act..

The phonetic transcription of "malice" is /ˈmælɪs/ in British English and /ˈmælɪs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "malice": spite, ill will, malevolence, rancor, animus, enmity, venom, malignity.

Example usage of "malice": "His eyes glinted with pure malice.". More examples on the page.