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 agent2: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation ; especially : a person who causes mischief3 a: action that annoys or irritates b: the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness <had mischief in his eyes>