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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | meschief 'something bad that happens', from mes- ( MIS-) + chief 'head, end' |
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mis‧chief
1 [uncountable] bad behaviour, especially by children, that causes trouble or damage, but no serious harm : If you can't see Nick, you can be sure he's up to some mischief (=behaving badly and causing trouble or damage).
If you can't see Nick, you can be sure he's up to some mischief (=behaving badly and causing trouble or damage).2 [uncountable] the pleasure or enjoyment of playing tricks on people or embarrassing them : Kiki's eyes were bright with mischief.
Kiki's eyes were bright with mischief.4 to injure yourself slightly : If you try to lift that box, you'll do yourself a mischief.
do yourself a mischief
British English informalIf you try to lift that box, you'll do yourself a mischief.5 [uncountable] formal damage or harm that is done to someone or to their property : The jury cleared him of the charge of criminal mischief.
The jury cleared him of the charge of criminal mischief.
