'malicious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'malitiosus,' where 'malitia' meant 'badness' or 'ill will.'

'malitiosus' transformed into the Old French word 'malicious,' and eventually became the modern English word 'malicious' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'full of malice or ill will,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.