mutwillig

willfully, deliberately (of harm)

adverb MOOT-vil-ikh Rare

Also means

wantonly

Usage Note

Mutwillig specifically describes causing damage or trouble deliberately and without justification. Mutwillig zerstören is the standard legal and journalistic phrase for vandalism. It differs from absichtlich in implying particular malice or recklessness.

Examples

"Die Fenster der Schule wurden mutwillig eingeschlagen."

Natural Translation

The school windows were smashed deliberately.

Literal Translation

The windows of-the school were willfully smashed-in.

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