mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf 

ˈmish-

1

: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent

… the polished floor … often causes mischiefs—bruises, sprains, dislocations …

—Herbert Spencer

2

: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation

especially : a person who causes mischief

He's a real mischief to his family.

3

a

: action that annoys or irritates

Halloween mischiefs

b

: the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness

had mischief in his eyes

Synonyms of mischief

• devilment
• playfulness
• mischievousness
• wickedness
• rascality
• devilry
• roguishness
• devilishness
• roguery
• impishness
• knavery
• naughtiness

Examples of mischief in a Sentence

It's hard to keep him out of mischief.

the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway

Recent Examples on the Web

Nicole Bottiglierivega Miami-Dade Corrections Nicole Bottiglierivega, 42, faces charges of third-degree grand theft, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, criminal mischief, and resisting an officer without violence. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

With modern elections often decided by extremely thin margins and billions of dollars sloshing through campaigns, both parties have ample incentives and opportunities to gain an edge through mischief involving third parties. — New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Earl the Squirrel, an original character inspired by a real-life squirrel who caused mischief at the resort, will debut with inspiration from classic cartoons and Christmas Vacation. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026

Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and misdemeanor climbing of a structure. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end — more at chief

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mischief

• malicious mischief

Kids Definition

mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf 

ˈmish-

1

: injury sense 2, harm

2

: a person or animal who causes mischief

3

: mischievous conduct or quality

a child gets into mischief

had mischief in their eyes