mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf 

ˈmish-

1

: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent

… the polished floor … often causes mischiefs—bruises, sprains, dislocations …

—Herbert Spencer

2

: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation

especially : a person who causes mischief

He's a real mischief to his family.

3

a

: action that annoys or irritates

Halloween mischiefs

b

: the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness

had mischief in his eyes

Synonyms of mischief

• devilment
• mischievousness
• playfulness
• wickedness
• rascality
• devilry
• roguishness
• devilishness
• roguery
• naughtiness
• impishness
• knavery

Examples of mischief in a Sentence

It's hard to keep him out of mischief.

the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s likely why his movie is more daring in its humor and tone, bringing a refreshing infusion of mischief to Pixar while maintaining the genuine emotional gravitas that has endeared the company to audiences for over 30 years. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Toni Rice, 44, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, intimidating a participant in the legal process and tampering with a witness, as well as misdemeanor charges of failing to stop and render aid, falsely reporting an incident and official misconduct. —Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026

Now, start thinking about how far this policy could be stretched by those who are seeking to make mischief — or just make money — from suing local governments perceived to violate these rules. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Allman was taken into custody without incident and charged with with burglary, two counts of criminal mischief, and breach of bail. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mischief

• malicious mischief

Kids Definition

mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf 

ˈmish-

1

: injury sense 2, harm

2

: a person or animal who causes mischief

3

: mischievous conduct or quality

a child gets into mischief

had mischief in their eyes