wish someone ill
Want bad outcomes
To wish someone ill is to hope for their misfortune or suffering.
The phrase usually describes a general disposition rather than a specific curse: I don't wish him ill, but I'm not sorry he lost.
The opposite is to wish someone well.
The construction is somewhat formal; in casual speech, people more often say they hope something bad happens to someone.
- harmInjury or damage
- animusDeep-seated hostility
- maliceIntent to cause harm
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
- bear a grudgeMaintain lasting ill will
hold a grudge · grudge · schadenfreude · hex · cast a spell · evil eye · curse · resentment · vindictiveness · spite · malevolence · malediction · imprecation · hostility · injure · bitterness · bad blood · malignity
benevolence vs. malevolence
wish someone illwish someone well
Express hope for success
mean well · bless · care for · root for · look out for