malice

[ˈmælɪs]

malice Definition

• 1. the intention or desire to do evil; ill will
• 2. the 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

• malevolence
• hatred
• enmity
• spite
• ill will

Antonyms for malice

• benevolence
• goodwill

Idioms Using malice

• with malice toward none

  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.

• malice of forethought

  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

• malice aforethought

  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.

• malicious gossip

  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.

• malicious software

  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.