malicious mischief

noun

: willful, wanton, or reckless damage to or destruction of another's property

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Murray was booked at the Clark County jail on accusations of second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, second-degree malicious mischief and first-degree arson. oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2022 McLaurin was charged with malicious mischief, Houston said. Jennifer Henderson, CNN, 10 Nov. 2022 Resources that should be devoted to ensuring the smooth execution of November’s balloting are instead being diverted to respond to malicious mischief. Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 The man, 22, was charged with robbery, kidnapping, extortion, unlawful possession of a firearm and malicious mischief, all in the first degree. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 25 Aug. 2022 The 22-year-old was charged with first-degree robbery, kidnapping, extortion, unlawful possession of a firearm and malicious mischief. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 26 Aug. 2022 The suspect has since been charged with robbery in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, extortion in the first degree, unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree and malicious mischief in the first degree. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2022 Sherman originally faced several misdemeanor charges, including driving under the influence, reckless endangerment of roadway workers, second-degree criminal trespass, resisting arrest and third-degree malicious mischief. NBC News, 8 Mar. 2022 Sherman originally faced several misdemeanor charges, including driving under the influence, reckless endangerment of roadway workers, second-degree criminal trespass, resisting arrest and third-degree malicious mischief. NBC News, 8 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malicious mischief.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malicious mischief was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near malicious mischief

Cite this Entry

“Malicious mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malicious%20mischief. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Legal Definition

malicious mischief

noun
malicious mis·​chief
: the act or offense of intentionally damaging or destroying another's property (as from feelings of ill will) compare vandalism
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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