malice
/ˈmælɪs/ · mal·i·ce
noun
- Intention to harm or deprive in an illegal or immoral way. The court found the defendant guilty of murder due to malice aforethought.
- Desire to take pleasure in another's misfortune. The cruel joke was motivated by malice and a desire to humiliate the victim.
- An intention to do injury to another party, which in many jurisdictions is a distinguishing factor between the crimes of murder and manslaughter. The prosecutor argued that the defendant's malice was evident in the premeditated nature of the crime.
verb
- To intend to cause harm; to bear malice. The victim's family accused the perpetrator of bearing malice towards their loved one.
Did you know? The concept of malice has been a central theme in literature and law for centuries, with notable examples including Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and the concept of 'malice aforethought' in criminal law.