malice

[ mal-is ]
/ ˈmæl ɪs /

noun

desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness: the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.
Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.

Origin of malice

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French < Latin malitia. See mal-, -ice

Example sentences from the Web for malice

British Dictionary definitions for malice

malice
/ (ˈmælɪs) /

noun

the desire to do harm or mischief
evil intent
law the state of mind with which an act is committed and from which the intent to do wrong may be inferred See also malice aforethought

Word Origin for malice

C13: via Old French from Latin malitia, from malus evil