malicious mischief

noun

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

Examples of malicious mischief in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The records show that Williams has three prior felony convictions in the state of Washington for assault in the third degree and malicious mischief in the second degree in 2004, and for attempting to elude a police vehicle in 1997. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 9 July 2025

Leaving a dog or another animal in a hot car is considered malicious mischief, according to California’s Penal Code. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025

Brown, whose full legal name is Merry Christmas Kathryn Raindrop Brown, and Lorton were both arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree malicious mischief in Okanogan, Wash., on Friday, April 11. —Charna Flam, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

She was arrested for second-degree malicious mischief. —Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

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