1.
prank, mischief, trick, practical joke
Refers to playful mischief, typically by children.
子供が悪戯をした。
The child played a prank.
悪戯はほどほどにしなさい。
Don't take the mischief too far.
友達に悪戯で驚かされた。
My friend surprised me with a prank.
2.
tampering, meddling, interference
Can refer to unwanted touching or manipulation of things.
誰かがパソコンに悪戯した形跡がある。
There are signs that someone tampered with the computer.
機械に悪戯しないでください。
Please don't tamper with the machine.
展示品への悪戯は禁止されています。
Tampering with the exhibits is prohibited.
Usually written in hiragana. Can be used as a suru-verb (悪戯する).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 悪戯をする: to play a prank, to tamper
- 悪戯電話: prank call