despiteful

American  

[dih-spahyt-fuhl] / dɪˈspaɪt fəl /

adjective

1. malicious; spiteful.

2. Obsolete. contemptuous; insolent.

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despiteful British  

/ dɪˈspɪtɪəs, dɪˈspaɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. an archaic word for spiteful

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• despitefulness
  noun
• despitefully
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of despiteful

1400–50; late Middle English. See despite, -ful

Example Sentences

For slight is of three kinds, as stated in Rhet. ii, 2, viz. "contempt," "despiteful treatment," i.e. hindering one from doing one's will, and "insolence": and all motives of anger are reduced to these three.

From Summa Theologica, Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

But then brust forth the venome which before lurked; then might they not conteine their despiteful voices, but with open mouthes did crie: we will not haue suche a one to reigne ouer vs.

From The First Blast of the Trumpet against the monstrous regiment of Women by Arber, Edward

It is in the very nature of poetical justice that it satisfies the emotions, and I was not displeased to see affairs take this sudden turn, to view the hard and despiteful heart thus humbled.

From Schwartz: A History From "Schwartz" by David Christie Murray by Murray, David Christie

Were His enemies never so many, and never so despiteful against Him, yet He sall rule in the midst of them.

From The Covenants And The Covenanters Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation by Kerr, James

But when Theseus heard the story, he straightened himself up, so that he seemed taller than ever before; and as for his face it was indignant, despiteful, bold, tender, and compassionate, all in one look.

From Tanglewood Tales by Hawthorne, Nathaniel