Dictionary

ill will

noun

: an unfriendly feeling : a feeling of hatred or dislike

Full Definition of ILL WILL

:  unfriendly feeling
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First Known Use of ILL WILL

14th century

Synonym Discussion of ILL WILL

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer <felt no malice toward their former enemies>. malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct <a look of dark malevolence>. ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration <ill will provoked by a careless remark>. spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments <petty insults inspired by spite>. malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness <a life consumed by motiveless malignity>. spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice <venting his spleen against politicians>. grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction <never one to harbor a grudge>.
ILL WILL Defined for Kids

ill will

noun

Definition of ILL WILL for Kids

:  unfriendly feeling <He … had more mischief than ill will in his composition … — Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow>

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