First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
mischief
noun mis·chief \ˈmis-chəf, ˈmish-\
: behavior or activity that is annoying but that is not meant to cause serious harm or damage
: a playful desire to cause trouble
: harmful behavior
Full Definition of MISCHIEF
1
: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
2
: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation; especially : a person who causes mischief
3
a : action that annoys or irritates b : the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness <had mischief in his eyes>
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Origin of MISCHIEF
Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end — more at chief
Related to MISCHIEF
- Synonyms
- devilishness, devilment, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, espièglerie, hob, impishness, knavery, mischievousness, rascality, roguery, roguishness, shenanigan(s), waggery, waggishness, wickedness
- Antonyms
- earnestness, soberness, sobersidedness
MISCHIEF Defined for Kids
mischief
noun mis·chief \ˈmis-chəf\
Definition of MISCHIEF for Kids
1
: behavior or activity that annoys or bothers but is not meant to cause serious harm <It was a typical school plan to keep us out of mischief. — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
2
: injury or damage caused by a person
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