Malicious/məˈlɪʃəs/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Personal Harm Used when someone's actions are meant to hurt others personally or their reputation. Spreading those rumors was a malicious act. Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Anger Implies a deeper, more intentional desire to harm than just being angry or upset. Her malicious behavior was beyond simple frustration. Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Hostility Actions may not be openly violent but are underhandedly hurtful. The critique was laced with malicious undertones.