malice

[ˈmælɪs]

malice Definition

  • 1the intention or desire to do evil; ill will
  • 2the quality of being full of, characterized by, or showing malice

Using malice: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "malice" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He bore no malice towards her.

  • Example

    The attack was motivated by malice.

  • Example

    She spoke with malice in her voice.

  • Example

    The article was written with malice.

malice Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for malice

Antonyms for malice

Idioms Using malice

  • without any ill will or hostility towards anyone

    Example

    In his inaugural address, President Lincoln called for 'malice toward none' and 'charity for all.'

  • malice in one's heart

    the intention or desire to do harm to someone

    Example

    She could see the malice in his heart and knew that he was not to be trusted.

  • the deliberate intention to commit a harmful act, especially one that is illegal or immoral

    Example

    The judge found that the defendant had acted with malice of forethought and sentenced him to life in prison.

Phrases with malice

  • the intention to kill or harm, which distinguishes murder from other unlawful homicides

    Example

    The prosecution argued that the defendant had malice aforethought when he committed the murder.

  • spreading rumors or lies about someone with the intention of causing harm or damage to their reputation

    Example

    She was hurt by the malicious gossip that was being spread about her.

  • software designed to harm a computer system or network, such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses

    Example

    The company's network was infected with malicious software, causing significant damage to their data.

Origins of malice

from Old French 'malice', from Latin 'malitia', meaning 'badness' or 'wickedness'

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Summary: malice in Brief

The term 'malice' [ˈmælɪs] refers to the intention or desire to do evil, often accompanied by ill will. It can also describe the quality of being full of malice, as in 'She spoke with malice in her voice.' The phrase 'malice aforethought' denotes the intention to kill or harm, while 'malicious software' refers to software designed to harm computer systems. Idioms like 'with malice toward none' and 'malice in one's heart' further illustrate the concept of ill will.