/mal"is/ , n.
1. desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness: the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.
2. Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.
[ 1250-1300; ME malitia. See MAL-, -ICE ]
Syn. 1. ill will, spite, spitefulness; animosity, enmity; malevolence; venom, hate, hatred; bitterness, rancor. See grudge .
Ant. 1. benevolence, goodwill.