mischief
/'mistʃif/
Definition
Noun: 1. Behavior causing annoyance or minor trouble: Reckless or playful behavior, especially by children, that causes annoyance or minor damage but is not seriously harmful. 2. A playful desire to cause trouble: A spirit or inclination to behave in a playful, teasing, or mildly troublesome way. 3. (Formal/Legal) Harm or damage: The quality or action of causing harm, injury, or damage.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Behavior):
- The children were getting into mischief while their parents were away.
- He's always up to some kind of mischief.
- Noun (Playful spirit):
- There was a glint of mischief in her eyes when she told the joke.
- She answered with a tone full of mischief.
- Noun (Formal harm):
- (Formal) The storm did great mischief to the coastal villages.
Advanced Usage
- "To make mischief": To deliberately cause trouble or discord between people.
- He enjoys gossiping and making mischief among his colleagues.
- "To be/get up to mischief": To be engaged in or planning troublesome or playful behavior.
- It's quiet in the other room; I think the kids are up to mischief.
Variants and Related Words
- Mischievous (adj): Describing someone or behavior that is playfully troublesome or causing minor annoyance.
- The mischievous puppy chewed on the slipper.
- Mischievously (adv): In a mischievous manner.
- He grinned mischievously.
Synonyms
- Naughtiness: (For childish behavior) Playful misbehavior.
- Misconduct: Improper or unethical behavior.
- Devilry: Reckless mischief or wickedness.
- Shenanigans: Secret or dishonest activity, or playful mischief.
Related Phrases
- "To do someone/oneself a mischief": (British, informal) To cause injury to someone or oneself.
- Be careful on that ladder, or you'll do yourself a mischief.
Related Idioms
- "Mischief managed": (From popular culture) A phrase indicating that a mischievous plan has been completed or that troublesome activity is finished.
- "The mischief of it": Used to emphasize the annoying or troublesome aspect of a situation.
- The mischief of it is that he knew he was wrong but wouldn't admit it.
Noun
-
the quality or nature of being harmful or evil
-
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
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