Main Entry: mis·chief

Pronunciation: \ˈmis-chəf, ˈmish-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end — more at chief

Date: 14th century

1 : a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
2 : a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation; especially : a person who causes mischief
3 a : action that annoys or irritates b : the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness <had mischief in his eyes>